July 22 (UPI) — After a resounding 3-0 victory over Vietnam in their World Cup opener, the United States Women’s National Team prepares for their next challenge against the Netherlands. This highly-anticipated match is a rematch of the 2019 final, where the Americans claimed their second consecutive title.
While the Saturday match against Vietnam served as a warm-up for the upcoming battles, the team is well aware that they must elevate their game to succeed against tougher opponents, starting with the Netherlands showdown on Thursday in Wellington, New Zealand.
“Our team had a solid start,” stated forward Sophia Smith, who was instrumental in securing the win with her two goals in the first half. “We know we have much more to offer and improve upon. There are little things we need to fine-tune.”
The players were critical of their performance, expressing their disappointment in falling short of championship-level play.
“I could have potentially scored three or four more goals,” commented midfielder Lindsey Horan, who contributed one goal. Meanwhile, veteran forward Alex Morgan, who missed a penalty kick, lamented, “I certainly had a couple of opportunities that I should have converted.”
For newcomer Sophia Smith, who stands at 5-foot-6, the match was an invaluable experience. “It was great to have my first World Cup game under my belt, to feel the atmosphere and understand what to expect,” she shared. Smith also expressed her excitement and anticipation for the upcoming game.
Smith is one of thirteen teammates on the U.S. national team making their debut in the World Cup. In addition to her two goals, she provided an assist and was named the Player of the Match, a recognition presented by her proud father.
Hailing from Winsor, Colorado, the 22-year-old forward was honored as the U.S. Soccer Player of the Year in 2022 after leading the national team with 11 goals. Prior to this achievement, she experienced disappointment when she was overlooked for the U.S. team’s trip to the Tokyo Olympics.
“I remember feeling sad and frustrated at the time,” she recalled. However, this setback motivated her to prove her worth to coach Vlatko Andonovski.
Morgan took to Twitter after Saturday night’s game, sharing a photo of Smith and praising her, saying, “She’s THAT Girl. Great team win.”
According to Andonovski, Smith’s exceptional talent as a forward has always been evident.
