USWNT Standouts Emerge in Friendly Win Over Italy

The U.S. Women’s National Team concluded its two-game series against Italy with a 2-0 victory on Tuesday night. This friendly was the team’s final domestic match before head coach Emma Hayes names her roster for the upcoming Paris Olympics, serving as a key evaluation opportunity for players.

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The United States defeated Italy 2-0 at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey. Sophia Smith scored the opening goal in the 67th minute after a pass from Lindsey Horan. Smith had previously missed a penalty kick in the first half of the match.

Forward Sophia Smith consistently applied pressure and created dangerous opportunities throughout the game before finally converting her goal. Midfielder Lindsey Horan played the full 90 minutes and provided the assist on Smith’s goal, demonstrating her set-piece delivery and midfield control.

Midfielder Rose Lavelle entered the match in the 58th minute and immediately increased the team’s offensive tempo and creativity. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell started the match and preserved the shutout, making a critical save in the first half.

Summary

In the team’s final home match before the Olympic roster selection, the USWNT earned a 2-0 win over Italy. The victory provided players a final opportunity to showcase their skills for coach Emma Hayes ahead of her upcoming roster decisions for Paris.

Forward Sophia Smith was a persistent offensive threat, eventually scoring the breakthrough goal in the second half after an earlier missed penalty. Her performance highlighted her role as a primary attacking option.

The contributions of midfielders Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle, along with a clean sheet from goalkeeper Jane Campbell, were also notable aspects of the match. The game served as a tactical and personnel evaluation ahead of the summer Olympics.

FAQs

**Who scored for the USWNT against Italy?**
Sophia Smith scored the opening goal in the 67th minute. Lindsey Horan provided the assist on the play.

Which players were mentioned as making a strong case for the Olympic roster?
Based on the match report, forwards Sophia Smith and midfielders Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle made positive contributions. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell’s clean sheet was also noted.

What was the significance of this match?
This friendly was the final domestic match before head coach Emma Hayes selects the official roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics. It served as a final evaluation opportunity for players.