The United States national team defeated New Zealand, 5-0, on Sunday for their first win of the 2022 SheBelieves Cup. The victory at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, puts the USWNT in first place in the round-robin style tournament. Ashley Hatch and Mallory Pugh scored for the USWNT, while New Zealand defender Meikayla Moore was charged with three own goals in the first 36 minutes.
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Midge Purce's goal was changed to an own goal in the first half, and Hatch scored just six minutes after subbing into the match at halftime -- fullback Sofia Huerta provided the service on each goal.
The USWNT, who were held to a scoreless draw against the Czech Republic in their tournament opener, will face Iceland on Wednesday for the SheBelieves Cup title.
⚽Meikayla Moore (OG): 5', 6', 36'
⚽Ashley Hatch (USA): 51'
⚽Mallory Pugh (USA): 90+3'
USWNT break through on goal
The team got off to a quick start, forcing back-to-back own goals beginning in the fifth minute of the match. After facing a frustratingly organized Czech Republic in a scoreless draw to kick off the tournament, the team raked up five goals against New Zealand to pick up their first win and goals of the new year.
Three forced own goals in the first half led to two credited goals in the second half after Hatch and Pugh subbed on in the attack. Both players linked up for the fifth and final goal of the match.
Mixed results
Despite the big score line, the difference in opposing tactics between the two games was evident. The USWNT was able to exploit more in the attack due to New Zealand leaving more space exposed in comparison to the opening game against Czech Republic.
The absence of more experienced players on the roster has been an added test among the challenge of tactics for the younger core of players that coach Vlatko Andonovski selected for the tournament. The next generation will have one final test against Iceland and that could present a different test against a more experienced and physical side.
Sofia Huerta earned her first start of the tournament and was active for the team from the first whistle. Her ability to remain active in the attack while holding steadfast on defense allowed her to cover a ton of ground for the team. The fullback recorded two shots with two on target, while completing 83% of her passes.
Her service and combination with Purce in the 6th minute of the match lead to the squad's go-ahead goal, and she later recorded the assist on Hatch's goal to open up the scoring in the second half.
Rodman exits the match after sustaining a couple hard hits. Came off initially after a clip of the ankles and now officially subbed out after going for a fifty fifty ball and knocked her knee. The team is now playing their final minutes with 10 players.
Ashley Hatch scores just minutes after subbing into the match. Makes it 4-0 after connecting on a header in the box, service provided by Huerta.
