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A18 SPORTS
Saturday 14 december 2019
Americans rally late, trail by only 3 in Presidents Cup

By DOUG FERGUSON sition,” Els said. The Interna-
AP Golf Writer tional team had its largest
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) lead through two sessions
Justin Thomas delivered since it won at Royal Mel-
the biggest moment for an bourne in 1998, the only
American team desperate time it has won the Presi-
for one Friday in the Presi- dents Cup. It also had a
dents Cup. three-point lead going into
He holed an 18-foot bird- Sunday singles in South Af-
ie putt on the final hole, rica in 2003, the year of the
dropped his putter and tie.
looked over at his partner Even so, the Americans felt
U.S. captain Tiger Woods — momentum shifting.
and then borrowed a line “We dug ourselves out of
from former NFL receiver what could have been a
Terrell Owens. big hole,” Thomas said.
“I love me some ME!” Thom- The match tied going to
as screamed at Woods, the 18th, Thomas drove
who also dropped his put- into light rough on the right,
ter and moved in for a hard and Woods followed with
hug. a great shot that landed
All the Americans gained near the hole and rolled
was momentum. out 18 feet. Hideki Mat-
The International players suyama missed his 25-foot
are going so well at this speedy birdie chance, and
Presidents Cup that they U.S. team player Justin Thomas, left, celebrates with his playing partner and captain, Tiger Woods, Thomas had the last putt
took its largest lead after on the 18th green in their foursomes match during the President’s Cup golf matches at Royal for the win.
any session in 16 years, and Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019. “We were both scream-
felt like that was the worst Associated Press ing,” Woods said. “It was a
they could do. phenomenal moment, and
Building on a 4-1 lead after the crowd again, including gold, the new colors of this Els said. “I’ve got to look at it was priceless. So I’m glad
the opening session at Roy- shouts of “Patrick Cheat” inspired International team where we are. It’s easy to we were able to experi-
al Melbourne, they quickly for his rules violation last led by Ernie Els. just look at where we could ence it together.”q
won two more matches in week in the Bahamas. It had to settled for a 6 1/2- have been, because it was Equally important was
foursomes. Far tougher on Reed and 3 1/2 lead. looking really unbelievable. Cantlay, who second shot
Louis Oosthuizen and Adam Webb Simpson was the In- Patrick Cantlay and Thom- We tie this afternoon.” into the par-5 15th set up
Scott rallied from 2 down ternational team of Marc as each birdied the 18th Els then considered the birdie to square the match.
by winning five of the next Leishman and Abraham hole to win matches. Gary Americans have a 50 1/2 — Xander Schauffele gave
seven holes and closed out Ancer, who seized control Woodland and Rickie Fowl- 22 1/2 advantage in four- him a chance at the winner
Dustin Johnson and Matt on the back nine to win, 3 er rallied from 2 down with somes in winning the last with an approach into 15
Kuchar in the opening four- and 2. three holes to play to earn seven times, and maybe it feet on the final hole, and
somes match Friday. At one point, the board a halve. wasn’t all that bad. Cantlay knocked it in.
Patrick Reed heard it from was filled with black-and- “It’s perspective, isn’t it?” “We’re in a very good po- That was the first point.q

Julie Ertz named U.S. Soccer women’s player of the year

By ANNE M. PETERSON a year and one that I’m started in 14 games at mid- ings and went to the NWSL cal part of our success
AP Sports Writer extremely grateful for,” Ertz fielder and center back. title game but fell to North this summer,” said for-
Julie Ertz was named the said in a statement. “My Chicago finished in second Carolina. mer U.S. coach Jill Ellis,
U.S. Soccer women’s team lifted me up in so place in the league stand- “Julie was such a criti- who stepped down fol-
Player of the Year on Fri- many ways and our experi- lowing the World Cup.
day for the second time. ences on and off the field “It’s wonderful that she’s
Ertz, a versatile midfielder in 2019 just encapsulate being recognized in this
who also won the award the love I have for the Na- way. She’s always a con-
in 2017, was on the U.S. tional Team and for wear- summate professional
teams that won World ing this crest and what it regardless of the envi-
Cup championships in represents.” ronment. Whether it’s in
2015 and again this sum- The 27-year-old, who was training, National Team
mer in France. named Young Player of the games or in the NWSL,
Ertz, who played a more Year in 2012, has 95 career she always brings a level
defensive role in 2015, appearances with the se- of professionalism, effort
scored her first World Cup nior U.S. team and started and talent.”The women’s
goal this summer during a 22 matches this year, most Player of the Year award
group-stage victory over on the team. She has 20 is determined by a vote
Chile. The goal came on career goals with the na- of national team coaches
a leaping, twisting head- tional team. Ertz also plays and players, select media
er which she celebrated for the Chicago Red Stars In this Sept. 15, 2017, file photo, United States defender Julie members, NWSL and se-
Ertz (8) celebrates after scoring a goal against New Zealand
by blowing a kiss to the of the National Women’s during the first half of an international friendly soccer match in lect college coaches, U.S.
crowd in Paris. Soccer League. Commerce City, Colo. Soccer board members
“It’s been a whirlwind of With the Red Stars, she Associated Press and others.q