The night began with a celebration of Rose Lavelle’s 100th international cap, but by the end of the USWNT’s 3-0 victory over Argentina in Louisville on Wednesday, Naomi Girma had stolen the show.
Just days after a Ballon d’Or ceremony in which Girma had been incredulously left entirely off the 30-player shortlist, the world’s best defender scored her long-awaited first two international goals in emphatic fashion.
A pair of headers bracketing halftime made Girma became just the second U.S. women’s player with 40 or more caps to score her first two goals in the same match. To top it off, Girma “assisted” the third, an own-goal off the foot of Argentina captain Aldana Cometti just before the break.
It was a completely dominant performance from the U.S. on the whole, as nearly the entire match was played in the Argentina half. Emma Hayes maybe would have liked her front line to have looked more incisive, but having made significant changes to give fringe players a chance, the chemistry was lacking.
Regardless, Girma’s double won the day, while wingers Emma Sears and Ashley Sanchez also looked a threat.
The victory gives the U.S. a perfect three-for-three in the October international break, and sets up two big showdowns next month in Europe against England and the Netherlands.
The Sporting News followed the USA vs. Argentina friendly live, providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happened.
