The United States were in control as Sophia Smith and Lindsay Horan also found the net in a comfortable 3-0 victory at the home of Inter Miami
Despite all of the issues that plagued this group throughout 2023, there’s no doubt that the U.S. women’s national team’s attacking unit is absolutely stacked – Emma Hayes, the team’s incoming manager, really is spoiled for choice.
No player can be considered a lock, not at this level, but, after another superstar performance on Saturday, it feels like Trinity Rodman is the closest thing to it. Rodman is unstoppable and, at this point, undroppable as the USWNT star continues to be a matchwinner at the highest level.
Rodman assisted two goals before scoring one of her own, leading the way in a 3-0 win over China. Her first assist saw her tee up Sophia Smith, who should have had a few more goals to her name by the end of this one. Her wayward finishing prevented that but, even so, the USWNT attack showed a viciousness we hadn’t seen in quite some time.
Rodman’s second assist, admittedly, wasn’t as intentional, as her throw-in to Lindsey Horan led to a fortunate goal after the ball was floated in, intended as a pass. Rodman, though, knew all about the USWNT’s third, as she scored a goal of her own on the back post late in the second half to put the game away.
The goal was her fifth of the year in what was her 17th USWNT appearance of 2023. There will be plenty more in her future as Rodman continues to grow and grow into the role of a true superstar.
GOAL rates USWNT players from DRV PNK Stadium…
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Casey Murphy (6/10):
That can be the life of a USWNT goalkeeper: sometimes, you don't have to do much! Rarely challenged she'll no doubt be happy with a clean sheet.
Emily Fox (6/10):
A different sort of game for Fox, who tucked in more than usual. Her versatility is such an asset as she can do so many different things on either side of the field.
Abby Dahlkemper (7/10):
Welcome back! Didn't have to do much defending, but she was solid at the back and showed off the passing range that makes her such a fun part of this player pool.
Naomi Girma (8/10):
What can't she do?!? Played the pass to earn a hockey assist on the opener and kept another clean sheet.
Casey Krueger (8/10):
An absolute menace throughout the first half. Was given freedom to roam and she took it, causing chaos all over the right-hand side.
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Emily Sonnett (6/10):
Continued to thrive in midfield. Some good interceptions and recoveries, even if the passing could have been a bit better.
Lindsey Horan (7/10):
Wasn't expecting to get a goal from her long ball into the box but who cares? It's what happens when a midfielder makes things happen, and that's what Horan continues to do for the USWNT.
Savannah DeMelo (6/10):
Got beat up a bit, but did make things happen when on the field. Looks like a veteran despite having so few caps to her name.
Rose Lavelle (6/10):
The quality was there, but the execution was just a bit off. Looked a little rusty, but still had moments that made you go 'Wow!'
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Sophia Smith (7/10):
Got her goal, but probably should have had three or four more. She'll be disappointed with that, but it's nice to see the USWNT generating chances again.
Trinity Rodman (8/10):
Technically, a multi-assist game, but we'll only talk about the first one. A fantastic ball into Smith as Rodman continues to create real danger in a USWNT shirt. Got her goal, too, to put the cap on a true superstar performance.
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Mia Fishel (7/10):
Surely made her presence felt, and was unlucky not to get a goal.
Jaedyn Shaw (7/10):
Just an inch or two away from getting a goal, but then got her assist late on. She continues to prove she belongs at this level.
Sam Coffey (6/10):
Replaced Sonnett as a deep-lying midfielder and the USWNT didn't see any drop-off in that spot.
Jenna Nighswonger (6/10):
A good taste of the action for the NWSL Rookie of the Year, who had some decent moments in her first cap.
Olivia Moultrie (6/10):
The second debutant, the 18-year-old midfielder replaced Rose Lavelle, which felt symbolic. Got a little excited on a late shot, but you can excuse that.
Midge Purce (7/10):
Helped create the third goal. The NWSL champion has brought her form to the USWNT and is really playing her way into the mix.
Twila Kilgore (8/10):
Got everything right. Shook things up tactically, giving some life to the attack. And then, with the game done and dusted, was able to get some young players some big minutes. A perfect day for the U.S.