Crystal Dunn showed how good she is, while newcomer Lily Yohannes showed just how bright the future can be, as the USWNT rolled to a 3-0 win over South Korea in Emma Hayes’ second fixture at the helm.
The new-look USWNT turned in a solid first half before blowing the game open in the second, and cruising to a win that probably could have been more one-sided.
Dunn opened the scoring for Hayes’ side, completing a flowing attacking move with a tidy finish at the back post. Chances were otherwise limited in the first half, Hayes’ side not short on effort, but managing just one shot on target in the opening period. South Korea, for their part, showed some attacking intent, and forced an impressive diving stop from Casey Murphy off a free-kick.
The USWNT doubled their lead midway through the second half. Trinity Rodman won possession in midfield before orchestrating a well-worked counter attack – which Sophia Smith tucked away from a tight angle.
IMMEDIATE IMPACT FROM TRIN, MAL, AND SOPH!!!!!#USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/YlTpdlGVgX
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 5, 2024
Mal Swanson could have made it three soon after, but diverted her shot just wide of the post. Rodman came close, too, smashing one off the woodwork. Yohannes grabbed the inevitable third, converting from a set-piece to mark her debut with a goal. The future is bright.
A DREAM DEBUT FOR LILY!!!!#USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/RWlOYpLSjj
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 5, 2024
Goalkeeper & Defense
Casey Murphy (7/10):
Had one save to make – and did so. Will take the clean sheet.
Casey Krueger (7/10):
Went about some of her 1v1 work admirably. Let Dunn do most of the fun attacking things in front of her.
Sam Staab (6/10):
Got an earful for a couple of lazy moments in possession, but was otherwise ok.
Emily Sonnett (6/10):
Solid at the back. Made a few tackles and commanded space well.
Jenna Nighswonger (7/10):
Delivered an outrageous assist for the USWNT first – she has such a good left foot. Questions to be asked about her work at the other end, though.
Midfield
Lindsey Horan (7/10):
Commanding in central areas, and moved the ball effectively when required. Seems to complement Albert well in there.
Korbin Albert (6/10):
A mixed bag. Some nice attacking moments, but was rather saved by Horan’s positional instincts once or twice.
Rose Lavelle (7/10):
Some delightful touches and nice moments as a No.10. A fine showing in her 100th cap.
Attack
Crystal Dunn (8/10):
Scored her first national team goal in six years. Turns out she’s good going forward, after all. Showed her versatility by dropping into a deeper role late on.
Alex Morgan (6/10):
Played like she had a point to prove. Full of fight, but still a bit rusty coming off an injury.
Jaedyn Shaw (7/10):
Started on the left, moved to the 10, and did a bit of everything in between. Not quite at her best on the ball, yet still made a massive impact.
Subs & Manager
Mallory Swanson (7/10):
More dynamic than Morgan through the middle – and made things happen after entering the fray.
Sophia Smith (7/10):
Took her goal well – she needs more of those at this level.
Sam Coffey (6/10):
Tidy after coming on. Didn’t overcomplicate things and ensured the ball kept moving.
Trinity Rodman (8/10):
Changed the game with her attacking impetus from the midfield. Unlucky not to score after smashing the bar.
Lily Yohannes (9/10):
What a debut! Orchestrated things from deep and took her goal well.
Emily Fox (N/A):
Didn’t have much to do after coming on.
Emma Hayes (8/10):
Switched things up at the start, but gave an indication of her best XI with some of her changes after the break. Will be encouraged by the general quality, as well as the performances from Dunn and Yohannes. She’s got some tough roster decisions to make now…
