Kickstart: Smith Stars in USA Opener

07/24/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Sophia Smith (2 Goals) Leads U.S. Women’s National Team to Victory Over Vietnam (3-0) in World Cup Opener

It wasn’t the eye-popping blowout many expected, but the U.S. Women’s National Team cruised to a 3-0 win over Vietnam in Friday’s World Cup opener. Sophia Smith kickstarted the USA’s World Cup campaign with two goals in the opening half. The 22-year-old striker may have grabbed the reigns as the team’s next-generation leader with Alex Morgan (34) and Megan Rapinoe (38) likely making their last World Cup runs. Lindsey Horan added an insurance goal in the second half (77’). And while it wasn’t the 13-0 thrashing we saw from the USA against Thailand in the 2019 World Cup, they didn’t allow a shot from Vietnam over the full 90 minutes. Next up? It’s a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final when the USA takes on Netherlands Wednesday night.

Watch: USWNT Cruises Past Vietnam (3-0) Thanks to Sophia Smith’s Breakout Brace

Women’s World Cup Scoreboard

Japan def. Zambia (5-0)

England def. Haiti (1-0)

Denmark def. China (1-0)

Sweden def. South Africa (2-1)

Netherlands def. Portugal (1-0)

France draw Jamaica (0-0)

Upcoming Match Schedule

Italy vs. Argentina (Mon. 2:00 am ET)*

Germany vs. Morocco (Mon. 4:30 am ET)*

Bravil vs. Panama (Mon. 7:00 am ET)