Tuesday’s match marked the opening game of 2023 for the U.S. and the team’s first time playing on New Zealand soil. The 4-0 victory over the Football Ferns was in large part due to a few halftime substitutions and much needed change of pace. The breakthrough goal came off a Mallory Swanson header in the 52nd minute after a left-footed cross by Trinity Rodman.
The scoring line continued in the 60th minute with a sneaky backheel from Rose Lavelle which gave Alex Morgan room to split two defenders and notch the 2nd goal of the match. Swanson’s brace followed shortly after when Ashley Sanchez played the perfect ball through the gap of a weakened New Zealand backline.
The action wouldn’t stop there. Enter Lynn Williams. Making her return from a hamstring injury, her attack didn’t seem impaired one bit. She last appeared for her country almost a year prior to being subbed in and quickly reminded fans of the explosion they had been missing. Following the win, she said, “It feels amazing, but I give it to my teammates – they’ve been there with me through the whole way and supporting me..”
The American side dominated with 74% possession, a 85% pass accuracy on 695 attempts, and seven shots on target off 15 attempts. Mallory Swanson was named Bud Light Player of the Match as she scored the first goals under her married name.
With the Women’s World Cup approaching in just six months, head coach Vlatko Andonovski still has unanswered questions about formation and starting lineup. There were missed opportunities throughout the first half and the team seemed to lack urgency. The defending champions will look to learn from their win and make the necessary adjustments in their final matchup in this pair of international friendlies. Kickoff set for 10pm EST, Friday, Jan. 20 on HBO Max and Telemundo.
