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The Olympic Gold Medalists U.S. women’s national team returned to action on Thursday night with a 3-1 win over Iceland.
Alyssa Thompson scored her first USWNT goal in her return to international duty before Jaedyn Shaw and Sophia Smith added late second-half goals to pad the victory. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made three saves in the result.
The first half was an exercise in possession for the USWNT, controlling 70% of the ball while finding their best opportunities through set pieces. The smothering counterpresss fed the possession but also allowed Iceland chances on occasion which they could not capitalize on.
As Emma Hayes looked to improve her own team’s clinical finishing following a successful Olympics campaign in her first ten matches at the helm, it was the only starter on the night who missed out on the tournament who provided the spark. Continuing her red-hot club form, Thompson put her work in the “Christen Press school of finishing” to use for her first national team goal in typical fashion cutting in from the left wing onto her right foot for a powerful finish.
“I get in those situations a lot in games so I kind of knew what to do. Cut in, whip it in with my right,” Thompson shared in her halftime interview. “Coming onto the field and wearing this jersey in the beginning, I was like ‘this is surreal’ and being able to get my first goal I can’t describe how I feel. I’m just so happy.”
The 19-year-old’s pure reaction of shock followed immediately by utter joy and excitement at her finish brought a similar smile to the face of Hayes and every USWNT fan watching.
“I have been watching her performances since the Olympics. I know she’s committed to looking for the next level in her play. I think you see just how threatening and dangerous she is. It’s not an easy goal. Chop in from the left hand side and roof it in the top corner,” Hayes praised. “But she’s someone who, her international…
Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2024/10/uswnt-downs-iceland-behind-strong-play-from-young-players
Author : Justin Ruderman
Publish date : 2024-10-25 10:15:59
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