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The last time a player on the USWNT scored a goal in their debut cap was all the way back in November. As predicted, another member of the youthful USWNT, Mallory Pugh, joined the First Cap, First Goal (1C1G) club this year.
In case you missed the US women’s rout of Ireland, here are the four biggest highlights:
1. Carli Lloyd took 28 minutes to score her hat-trick. She’s in a slump, but seems to be coming back.
2. Alex Morgan put an exclamation on her 100th cap with a goal and two assists.
3. Seventeen-year-old Coloradoan Mallory Pugh came on for Morgan in the second half.
4. Pugh scored in the 83rd minute (6th youngest to ever score for the National team)
Mallory Pugh joins the 1C1G club
Complete list of USWNT players who scored their first goal during their first appearance. Chart: Jamie Bartlett | The18.com
Still a high schooler, Pugh showed up to the January senior camp with a lot of hype surrounding her. Despite potential as the number one draft pick for the Portland Thorns, Pugh ultimately committed to UCLA for the fall.
Fans in San Diego were able to see many of their favorites on the field for the first half. The game was part celebration for Morgan’s achievement and part continuation of the fall victory tour. But Jill Ellis has the critical task of figuring out her 18-player roster for the upcoming Olympics.
During the last few victory tour games and recently at camp, Ellis has brought in a whole squad of young and talented players who only seem to know winning. The current average age on the roster is a spry 25 while the World Cup roster was 28.
There’s no doubt Ellis is fully taking ownership of the team she inherited in 2014 as she attempts a feat no other Women’s National Team coach has achieved: win the Olympics after winning the World Cup.
In these friendlies, that strategy seems to be paying off. Pugh scored a brave header off a hardworking assist from another 1C1G member, Christen Press. Behind the confidence and abilities of veterans like Lloyd and Morgan, these ridiculously young players seem to be set up to succeed.
Ellis is expected to announce her qualifying roster any moment and I expect we’ll see major playing time from Pugh, fellow 1C1G member McCaffrey and other names you have yet to learn.
Who wants to wager Pugh will join an even more exclusive 2C2G club?
Follow me on Twitter: @jamieatthe18
