The United States women's national team completed a sweep in their two-game series against New Zealand on Friday, closing out the January camp window with a 5-0 win against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland.
Ashley Hatch, Mallory Swanson, Rose Lavelle, and Taylor Kornieck scored goals in the victory.
Friday's match was a better 90-minute performance by the U.S. after the slow opening half against New Zealand on Tuesday. The coaching staff continued to take a closer look at the middle third, making some slight adjustments as Lindsey Horan was unavailable. Horan returned to France with her club team Olympique Lyon, and Lavelle got the start in the midfield with Andi Sullivan and Ashley Sanchez.
The team ended their first half with two goals and extended the scoreline over the second half. The scoring opportunities are reflective of the creativity, athleticism and technical ability of the team. The clean sheet by the defense means the game-winner goes to Hatch, who scored the opening goal after an effective build along the left side between Crystal Dunn, Sanchez, and Trinity Rodman who delivered the assist on Hatch's goal.
Let's take a look at the top performers in the match:
Top performers
Rose Lavelle: With the late scratch to Morgan, the captain's armband passed to Lavelle. She led the way on the pitch, often playing lower in an attacking-mid role as a No. 8 at times. She scored two goals and recorded one assist.
Mallory Swanson: Playing out on the right side, Swanson provided a constant threat as both a linking player and making endless alternate runs into the box when off the ball. She scored a goal in the second half.
Trinity Rodman: The winger earned the start after a great second-half appearance off the bench on Tuesday. She provided a level of selfless play for the team and constantly looked for passes into the box.
What's next
The team is now on a two-game win streak to begin its 2023 campaign. The group will have another test in February in the SheBelieves Cup. The USWNT will host Brazil, Canada, and Japan on home soil.
