International Recap: USWNT Wins Send-Off Match Against Wales

Photo: Nikita Taparia

In the United States Women’s National Team’s final match before the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the team took on Wales. Between the two sides, OL Reign had six players represented. For Wales, midfielder Jess Fishlock was present at the match, but not available for selection on the bench. For the U.S., defender Alana Cook got the start and played 79 minutes, while defenders Sofia Huerta and Emily Sonnet subbed in in the 64th and 79th minutes respectively. Midfielder Rose Lavelle and forward Megan Rapinoe were on the bench for the United States but did not make an appearance in the match.

The match began with the U.S. maintaining possession of the ball, trying to break through the Welsh backline. However, the Wales team was up to the challenge, effectively keeping the U.S. off the board for the entire half. At the break, the United States had maintained 75 percent of possession and managed eight shots.

In the second half, the U.S. continued to pressure Wales, keeping the visitors pressed into their own defensive half for the majority of the half. OL Reign defender Sofia Huerta entered the match in the 64th minute for defender Emily Fox. After 76 minutes, the U.S. finally found the opening goal of the match. Substitute Lynn Williams played an excellent through ball to forward Sophia Smith out wide. Smith took her space into the box and slotted a ball across the penalty area for forward Trinity Rodman to but into the back of the net.

The 79th minute saw defender Emily Sonnett sub into the match for fellow OL Reign defender Alana Cook. The match continued to go on with the United States still pressing for another goal. In the 87th minute, Rodman struck against, this time from the top of the 18-yard box. At the final whistle, the United States claimed victory, setting the tone for their departure to New Zealand for the World Cup.