Sophia Smith scored two and assisted one for the United States women’s national team during the 3-0 victory against Vietnam in their Women’s World Cup opener. An Alex Morgan assist vs Vietnam was one of the big highlights as she cleverly set up Smith for the opening goal.
Despite the victory, USWNT fans won’t be too pleased with the performance. The Americans were far too sloppy in the final third of the field and didn’t look to be on the same page for most of the 90 minutes.
The finishing was slapdash which could be a concern for head coach Vlatko Andonovski going forward in the tournament.
Smith’s opening goal in the 14th minute was by far the best moment for the USWNT. In the blink of an eye Lindsey Horan put in a pass to Morgan who then brilliantly backheeled the ball into the path of Smith.
The Colorado native finished comfortably.
Alex Morgan assist vs Vietnam
SOPHIA SMITH SCORES THE @USWNT'S FIRST GOAL IN THE 2023 FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP pic.twitter.com/7zBnGYfhQh
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
The build up, the pass, the finish, this was a beauty from the @USWNT pic.twitter.com/sM1wF66bq7
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
Morgan will be happy with the assist but not so pleased with her own finishing. In the first half Trinity Rodman was brought down near the edge of the penalty area and after a LENGTHY VAR review the USWNT were given a penalty kick.
Penalties have been an issue for Andonovski’s side and Morgan’s tame effort will only exacerbate the problem.
Tran Thi Kim Thanh denies Alex Morgan from the spot! pic.twitter.com/a2OMPwinwb
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
As the clock approached halftime the Vietnam fans were thrilled to only be trailing by a goal. Vietnam didn’t record a shot all game, but to still be close on the scoreboard was quite an achievement.
Smith then doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime.
IT'S A BUBBLE BRAID BRACE FOR THE @USWNT'S SOPHIA SMITH! pic.twitter.com/BzhFsCbjUe
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
The second half saw more opportunities go to waste for the USWNT. Here’s a look at all of the missed chances.
Julie Ertz flies through the air to try and make it three for the U.S. pic.twitter.com/rJo88BS3Nb
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
What a ball by Trinity Rodman ⚽️
The @USWNT's Lindsey Horan is itching to find her first! pic.twitter.com/jtp5AxOCYS— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
Rapinoe with the selfless pass to find Emily Fox who nearly adds to the United States' tally pic.twitter.com/1zIXkht5Qi
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
An immediate impact from Rose Lavelle for the U.S.A pic.twitter.com/OsTbtqVgKw
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
Rose rises up for what could have been an absolute beauty pic.twitter.com/z0uLsxALc8
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
The final goal for the USWNT came in the 77th minute when Smith beat her defender and set up Horan for an open net finish.
3-0 @USWNT COURTESY OF THE CAPTAIN LINDSEY HORAN! pic.twitter.com/AYqKLvOMPc
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
The game wasn’t the best performance from the USWNT, but the result is the same: 3 points. Netherlands will be the first true test for this young U.S. side.
The USWNT faces Netherlands on Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET. The Dutch begin the World Cup campaign vs. Portugal on Sunday at 3:30 a.m. ET.
