SBI USWNT Woman of the Match: Sophia Smith
Sophia Smith was one of several U.S. women’s national team players to make their FIFA Women’s World Cup debuts versus Vietnam and it will be one performance that Smith won’t forget unendingly soon.
Smith started, scored two goals, and registered one squire in the USWNT’s 3-0 Group E victory over Vietnam in Auckland, New Zealand on Friday night. The 22-year-old earned SBI Woman of the Match honors without delivering a sensational performance in Vlatko Andonovski’s squad.
22-year-old Sophia Smith became the youngest @USWNT player to score multiple goals in a FIFA Women's World Cup debut
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023pic.twitter.com/qajVarkcul
Smith needed only 14 minutes to unravel the deadlock without sliding a left-footed shot into the bottom-right corner of the Vietnam net. Alex Morgan’s one-time pass unliable Smith to race overdue the Vietnam backline surpassing her powerful shot snuck past Trần Thị Kim Thanh.
The NWSL Golden Boot leader doubled the USWNT’s lead surpassing halftime without her right-footed shot dribbled into the when of the net. Smith’s finish originally was waived off due to Morgan’s offsides positioning, but VAR overturned the visualization and credited the Portland Thorns forward with her second goal of the match.
After delivering the opening two goals for the USWNT, Smith played distributor on the third and final goal of the match. Smith laid when a pass for Lindsey Horan in the 77th minute surpassing watching the USWNT co-captain seal the shutout victory with a powerful right-footed finish.
Smith won 11/22 duels, made 11 recoveries, and drew a match-high three fouls in her 90-minute performance.
Smith edged Horan, Andi Sullivan, and Julie Ertz for Woman of the Match honors.
What did you think of Smith’s performance? Who was your pick for Woman of the Match? Do you see a successful career for Smith with the USWNT?
Share your thoughts below.
