USWNT vs. China, 2015 World Cup: Final score 1-0, Lloyd powers Americans into semis

The United States is into the Women's World Cup semifinals. A goal by Carli Lloyd fired the Americans past China and set up a much-anticipated clash between the second ranked U.S. and top ranked Germany for a spot in the World Cup final.

Lloyd scored the match's only goal not long after halftime. The Chinese committed a foul 40 yards from goal, giving the U.S. a chance to float the ball into the box. The Americans did just that and Lloyd got into it, heading the ball perfectly down and inside the post for what would prove to be the winner.

The U.S. played well for much of the first half, dominating possession and controlling the tempo. They nearly scored right after kickoff, but when Amy Rodriguez found herself in alone on goal, she shanked the ball well wide. From there, it was a lot of possession and positive play, but always culminating in a cross that missed its intended target or a weak header from the cross.

As well as the U.S. played in the center of the pitch, they went into halftime scoreless and feeling like they were leaving the door open for China. That didn't last very long.

Six minutes into the second half, Lloyd's header found the back of the net and the U.S. had themselves a lead. The Americans' had themselves a lead and with Hope Solo all but asleep at the back, they were going to make it stand up.

The U.S. nearly added a second goal, coming closest when Christen Press ripped a shot that rattled the crossbar. The second tally never came, but it didn't matter. The U.S. kept the ball and controlled the play to see out yet another win as well as a fourth consecutive clean sheet.

Next up, it's No. 1 vs. No. 2 with a spot in the final on the line.