Sophia Smith had two goals and added an assist on Friday, as the United States Women’s National Team opened up group play in the 2023 FIFA World Cup with a 3-0 victory over newcomer Vietnam at Eden Park in Aukland, New Zealand.
USA seemed to play down to their opponent at times but didn’t allow any shots in the win, with 28 attempted shots of their own. Smith scored the only goal that was needed in the 14th minute assisted by Alex Morgan, and then tallied again unassisted at the 54th minute. Lindsey Horan, assisted by Smith, finished off the scoring in the 77th minute of the match. Alyssa Naeher played in net for the Americans. Kim Thanh, the Vietnam goalie, stopped four of seven shots on the net including one on a penalty kick by Morgan in the 45th minute. Morgan Rapinoe played in her 200th career game with the USA, it what will be her last World Cup after announcing she would retire after this tournament. The 38-year old made her debut in 2006 with the USWNT and won World Cups in 2015 and 2019, as well as an Olympic Gold Medal in 2012. Rapinoe is tied with Abby Wambach for third place in career assists with 73. Her 63 goals makes her only the seventh player in the history of the team with at least 50 goals and 50 assists.
USA is in Group E that also includes the Netherlands and Portugal. Only the top 2 in the group advance to the round of 16, so the Americans who are a heavy favorite to win the Cup again hope to play better with matches coming on Wednesday (9 p.m. Eastern Time) against the Netherlands and against Portugal Tuesday, August 1 (3 a.m. ET). USA is trying to win their third straight FIFA World Cup and fifth overall. They’ve also won four Olympic Gold Medals, and nine CONCACAF Gold Cups. They also own the all-time record with now 13 straight match victories in the World Cup.
Story by Chris Lessner
