In their third match of this international break, the U.S. women’s national team defeated Argentina 3-0 in Louisville, Kentucky thanks to two goals from center back Naomi Girma plus an own goal.
One of the world’s best defenders, Girma got on the scoresheet in her 40th career start (42nd appearance), scoring her first international goal in the 37th minute by heading home an improperly punched set piece with relative ease thanks to her perfect positioning. The Olympic gold medalist scored the team’s third goal of the night four minutes into the second half, giving herself a brace with yet another header.
The San Diego Wave defender was key to the second goal as well, heading down the corner kick at the near post that was turned in for an own goal. When Lindsey Horan came off in 60th minute she rightfully handed the armband to Girma who captained the side the rest of the way.
The starting 11 featured 10 changes from the lineup used Sunday in Nashville against Iceland, Jaedyn Shaw was the only player to make back-to-back starts while Olivia Moultrie, Yazmeen Ryan and Alyssa Thompson did not dress as they are all scheduled to play Friday for their NWSL clubs. After scoring and assisting in her international debut Sunday Emma Sears was rewarded with her first career start in her second cap at her club’s home stadium in Louisville.
The team was led out by captain Rose Lavelle to celebrate her 100th cap but she only played the first half as Gotham FC need her relatively rested for their Friday match.
Center back Eva Gaetino from PSG, outside back Alyssa Malonson from Bay FC and Utah Royals goalkeeper Mandy Haught all started in their international debuts. Haught joined the USWNT in Nashville after an injury to Jane Campbell and is just the third goalkeeper to debut for the team in the last five years, and the first since Aubrey Kingsbury.
