Taking the pitch for the first time as 2024 Olympic gold medalists, the world No. 1 USWNT kicked off their three-match international window with a strong showing against No. 13 Iceland on Thursday.
Forwards Alyssa Thompson, Jaedyn Shaw, and Sophia Smith all found the back of the net in the 3-1 victory.
The US has yet to lose under head coach Emma Hayes, who now boasts an 11-game unbeaten streak dating back to her June 1st debut.
19-year-old Thompson shines in USWNT return
After missing the Olympic cut in July, Alyssa Thompson announced her return to the USWNT in style by scoring her first-ever international goal on Thursday.
“I’ve really appreciated her living up to her own expectations for herself, and demonstrating the behaviors and the performances that she wanted to see,” Hayes said of the 19-year-old ahead of last night’s friendly.
At just 18 years old, Thompson was a late addition to the USWNT’s 2023 World Cup roster. More recently, the Angel City forward’s NWSL goalscoring surge thrust her back into the national team spotlight.
Thompson is now the fourth teenager to score for the US in 2024 — the most since 2000, when six players under 20 found the back of the net.
Second-half subs and debuts secure USWNT win
Hayes’s Thursday starting XI drew heavily on her Olympic roster, but impact subs and a few fresh faces lifted the team over the Icelandic competition.
The second half saw Gotham FC attacker Yazmeen Ryan and Washington Spirit defensive midfielder Hal Hershfelt earn their first USWNT caps, while both Shaw and Smith scored off the bench to overcome Selma Sól Magnúsdóttir’s 54th-minute equalizer.
Thursday’s tilt also celebrated Emily Sonnett’s 100th cap, as the USWNT stalwart started in central defense alongside Naomi Girma.
Haught replaces Campbell for remaining USWNT friendlies
During training for last night’s match, USWNT backup goalkeeper Jane Campbell suffered a muscle injury, sidelining the Houston Dash net-minder for the rest of the October international window. In her stead, Hayes has called up Utah Royals keeper Mandy Haught to the senior national team for the first time.
The 25-year-old Haught, who won the 2023 NWSL Championship with Gotham FC, will join the USWNT roster for both Sunday’s second match against Iceland and next week’s game against No. 33 Argentina.
How to watch Sunday’s USWNT vs. Iceland international friendly
The US will be back in action against Iceland in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sunday at 5:30 PM ET.
The friendly will include a ceremony honoring longtime USWNT defender Kelley O’Hara’s retirement, as well as a recognition of forward Mal Swanson’s 100 caps.
Live coverage will air on TNT.
