The U.S. women’s national team began its World Cup defense with a 3-0 victory over Vietnam in Auckland on Friday.
Forward Sophia Smith scored twice in her World Cup debut and captain Lindsey Horan added a third late against a Vietnam side that never looked likely to suffer the same kind of trouncing the USWNT handed out in the group stage to Thailand at the previous World Cup four years ago.
Alex Morgan had a first-half penalty saved and there was an early injury scare for Trinity Rodman, but she recovered to continue in the match until being substituted on 75 minutes. You can read The Athletic ’s analysis of the game here.
Georgia Soares is our photographer following the USWNT at this tournament in New Zealand and Australia — these are her favorite images from gameday one, starting with a sharp look from Lynn Williams and Crystal Dunn…
(All photos: Georgia Soares/The Athletic)
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