Sophia Smith marked her Women's World Cup debut in style by scoring a brace and recording an assist during the U.S. women's national team's 3-0 win over Vietnam.
Smith's goal came just 14 minutes into the USWNT's match against Vietnam. The play began when captain Lindsey Horan sent a long ball towards goal, which Alex Morgan quickly flicked off to Smith. The World Cup newcomer then dashed into the box and scored from an angle.
SOPHIA SMITH SCORES THE @USWNT'S FIRST GOAL IN THE 2023 FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/7zBnGYfhQh
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
Smith scored a second just before the half. Naomi Girma sent the ball into a crowded penalty area, and Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Thị Kim Thanh was able to redirect it away from goal. Smith was able to collect the rebounded ball and scored from the outer left corner of the box in the tenth minute of first half stoppage time.
IT'S A BUBBLE BRAID BRACE FOR THE @USWNT'S SOPHIA SMITH! 🇺🇸👑 pic.twitter.com/BzhFsCbjUe
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
The forward put the cherry on top of her World Cup debut when she notched the assist to Horan's 77th minute goal. She outmaneuvered a Vietnam player and won the ball on the right side of the box, and then smartly sent the ball behind her to Horan, who swiftly scored her first goal of the tournament from the center of the penalty area.
🇺🇸 @sophsssmith ➡️ @LindseyHoran
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
It was only a matter of time for the @USWNT 💪 pic.twitter.com/0ReAezYggc
Smith easily won Player of the Match honors, but also stood out despite the USWNT's uneven performance in attack. The team mustered an impressive 28 shots but lacked accuracy in front of goal at times, though Smith was the obvious exception. The goals are Smith's first for the USWNT this year, but come amidst a stellar run of form for her at the club level. The forward has 10 goals and five assists so far for the Portland Thorns.
A standout day became all the more special for Smith when she received her individual accolade from her dad, who showered her with praise and said he was proud of her before the two posed for pictures.
"Thanks, Dad." ❤️🏆@USWNT's @sophsssmith receives the Player of the Match trophy from her Dad 🤗 pic.twitter.com/czZ7R4XFwZ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
Smith was positioned as the presumed breakout star of this World Cup, and is so far living up to the billing.