USWNT blanks China to open final window of 2023

The U.S. women’s national team’s final international window of 2023 got off in winning fashion on Saturday.

Sophia Smith, Lindsey Horan, and Trinity Rodman all scored as Twila Kilgore’s squad defeated China 3-0 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. USWNT goalkeeper Casey Murphy was rarely troubled in the match, needing to make just one save to preserve the victory.

Smith needed just eight minutes to break the deadlock from DRV PNK Stadium, finishing off Rodman’s cross into the bottom-right corner. It marked Smith’s first goal in all competitions since August 21 in NWSL play.

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After both Smith and Rodman were denied chances to extend the USWNT’s lead before halftime, Horan was credited with the second goal of the match. Horan’s long-range cross did not find a teammate in the box, but also snuck into the bottom-right corner for a 2-0 advantage.

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Rodman capped off her Woman of the Match performance in the 77th minute, tapping home Jaedyn Shaw’s cross for a 3-0 USWNT lead. Rodman was impactful from the opening whistle, finishing the match with one goal and two assists.

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Jenna Nighswonger and Olivia Moultrie both earned their USWNT debuts, becoming the latest young talents to join the senior ranks. Mia Fishel also featured off the bench for Kilgore’s squad.

The USWNT will close its 2023 schedule on Tuesday in Frisco, Texas.

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