The United States women’s national team took care of business with a 4-0 victory vs. Nigeria on Saturday during an international friendly in Kansas City.
This was the first game for the USWNT since the team won the Concacaf Women’s Championship in Mexico in July. The U.S. defeated Canada 1-0 in the final.
Head coach Vlatko Andonovski has had his critics in recent times, but there were few complaints for his team’s performance against a quality Nigeria side.
USWNT vs Nigeria Highlights
Vlatko put out the same starting XI that defeated Canada in July and the team looked more efficient than it did in the Concacaf Women’s Championship tournament.
Sophia Smith opened the scoring in the 14th minute when a mis-hit ball fell right in the path of her run toward Nigeria’s goal. She slotted it into the bottom corner to the loud approval of Children’s Mercy Park.
.@sophsssmith gets us started in KC!
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 3, 2022
Lindsey Horan Goal
Lindsey Horan added the second goal for the USWNT in the 25th minute and it was filthy. Horan completely fooled her defender with a fake shot before calmly stroking the ball into the bottom corner. It's her first goal of 2022.
Stop that Horan! The temperature might have been in the low 90s, but Horan was as cool as can be with this goal.
.@LindseyHoran's first of 2022 makes it 2-0! pic.twitter.com/KSFc3IEwIO
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 3, 2022
The first half goals kept coming for the USWNT. Smith secured her brace just before halftime courtesy of a lovely assist from Emily Fox.
One touch is all it takes for @sophsssmith!
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 3, 2022
The goal was Smith’s 10th for the USWNT making her the sixth fastest player to reach double digit goals in USWNT history. Her 10 goals in 22 appearances ties Michelle Akers.
Alex Morgan added a fourth goal in the 52nd minute from the penalty spot after Mal Pugh was dragged down in the box. Morgan scored the game-winner from a penalty against Canada in July but went the opposite way with her shot that time.
Death.
Taxes.@alexmorgan13's left foot from the spot. pic.twitter.com/3hQKEVJ4jO— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 3, 2022
The USWNT will play Nigeria again on Tuesday at Audi Field in Washington D.C.
These games will serve as preparation for the massive game at Wembley Stadium vs. defending European champions England on Oct. 7. The game against England is officially a friendly. It will be anything but.
