World Cup Recap: U.S. Opens World Cup with 3-0 Win

The U.S. Women’s National Team earned a physical 3-0 win against Vietnam in the team’s opening match at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with goals scored by forward Sophia Smith and midfielder Lindsey Horan. Three OL Reign players made appearances in the match, all subbing in in the second half – defender Sofia Huerta, midfielder Rose Lavelle and forward Megan Rapinoe. 

From the first whistle, the match was a physical battle. Vietnam, playing in their first-ever World Cup, brough the physicality and tight defense. The U.S. dominated the match offensively, taking 28 shots overall compared to Vietnam’s zero. After several near chances, the U.S. finally got on the board in the 14th minute, when forward Alex Morgan received a ball at the top of the box and used her heel to flick the ball to Smith. Smith’s run beat Vietnam’s defensive line, as she took one touch and put the ball into the back of the net.  

In the 44th minute, The U.S. had a chance to double their lead on a video review awarded penalty kick, but Morgan’s attempt was saved by Trần Thị Kim Thanh in the net for Vietnam. However, in stoppage time Smith doubled the U.S. lead. After Tran punched from defender Naomi Girma, Smith was there to follow it up, earning her second goal of the match. 

In the second half, the United States continued to dominate, still searching for more goals. In the 63rd minute of the match, OL Reign midfielder Rose Lavelle made her return to the pitch, subbing on to the field after battling an extended injury. In addition, forward Megan Rapinoe subbed onto the field, earning her 200th cap. 

Finishing out the scoring for the night, Horan received a cut back pass from Smith inside of Vietnam’s 18- yard box and smashed it into the back of the net, making the score 3-0 in favor of the U.S. In the 84th minute, OL Reign defender Sofia Huerta subbed onto the field, making her World Cup debut. Just one minute later, Lavelle nearly bagged a goal of her own, but her shot hit the cross bar and play went on. At the final whistle, the United States earned a 3-0 victory to begin their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign. 

The U.S. will now face the Netherlands on July 26 at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington/Te Whanganui-a-Tara (1 p.m. local / 9 p.m. ET on FOX, Telemundo, Universo and Peacock) in its second Group E match and will finish group play against Portugal on Aug. 1 back at Eden Park in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau (7 p.m. local / 3 a.m. ET on FOX, Telemundo and Peacock). 

Next up for the USWNT: The U.S. will now face the Netherlands on July 26 at 6:00 p.m. PT at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington/Te Whanganui-a-Tara. The match can be watched on FOX, Telemundo and Peacock. 

Group E Standings: 

The United States and Vietnam have each played one game, while the Netherlands and Portugal play their first match tomorrow at 12:30 a.m. PT. 

1. United States (3 points, +3 goal differential) 

2. Netherlands (0 points, 0 goal differential) 

3. Portugal (0 points, 0 goal differential) 

4. Vietnam (0 points, -3 goal differential)