USWNT prove too hot for Dragoness fire

Trinity Rodman sends U.S. Women’s National Team to 2-0 victory over Wales in final game ahead of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

The U.S. Women’s National Team played its final home match before kicking off the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, taking on Wales on Sunday, July 9 at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.

With less than three weeks until opening the group stage in New Zealand, the USA ran out against a Wales side that narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification.

Ahead of this special game, midfielder Lindsey Horan and forward Alex Morgan were named by U.S. head coach Vlatko Andonovski as captains of the U.S. Women’s National Team leading into the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Morgan has 206 caps and 121 goals and will be playing in her fourth World Cup. She has 18 World Cup matches and nine World Cup goals while helping the USA to victory in both 2015 and 2019.

Horan has 128 caps and 27 goals and will be playing in her second World Cup.

The pair formally step into the leadership void created by an injury to Becky Sauerbrunn.

The squad for the tournament features experienced veterans such as Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan – both of whom were World Cup winners in 2015 and 2019 – as well as rising stars in the shape of forwards Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman.

Wales were skippered by Agharad James for this game as regular captain Sophie Ingle was suspended.

USA passed the ball with comfortable style in the opening exchanges as the visitors scurried about in the Californian midday sunshine, denying their hosts time on the ball whenever possible.

Horan led the line with presence though. Her header from the centre of the box was saved in the centre of the goal by Olivia Clark. Horan was assisted by Andi Sullivan.

Despite the dominance of the home side, the determined visitors kept their hosts at bay during the first half an hour. Lily Woodham collected a real shiner from a heavy collision with Alyssa Thompson. She was replaced by Esther Morgan at half time.

Sophie Smith had sparkled for the hosts and a late header from Ashley Sanchez almost gave the USA an interval leader. Hayley Ladd, Josie Green and Rhiannon Roberts in particular, had stood tall for the Welsh though to send the teams in at 0-0.

Wales continued to battle in the second half. Gemma Evans was composed at left back. Up top, Kayleigh Green led the line with energy. USA began to look a little frustrated? Their poor finishing was costing them.

The wonderful Green did superbly to head off the line to deny Alana Cook on 67 minutes. She and the tiring Carrie Jones left the proceedings shortly afterwards.

The home fans had their moment to cheer though as, on 76 minutes, Smith broke through the Welsh ranks to set up an easy chance for Rodman. The Washington Spirit star made no mistake to fire into an empty net. Much glee for 18,000 spectators.

Ceri Holland saw yellow as Wales tried to rescue the game but the US team were showing a swagger now as, inevitably, the Welsh began to wilt. Rodman curled in a second with style and panache.

The hosts had been made to work hard for this victory. Wales had stood firm but, in the end, the guile of Smith and composure of Rodman had proved too strong.

USA head to the forthcoming World Cup as the team to beat.

USA 2

Cymru (Wales) 0

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