USWNT player ratings vs. Vietnam: Sophia Smith stands out in World Cup debut

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The U.S. ladies’s nationwide group obtained the consequence it anticipated, although maybe not the margin of victory it anticipated entering into, defeating Vietnam 3-0 in the teams’ 2023 FIFA World Cup opener. Sophie Smith scored two first-half targets and Lindsey Horan added a 3rd on a day when the U.S. protection was untroubled.

Smith scored the opener within the 14th minute, ending by way of the legs of Vietnam keeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh after she was put by way of due to Alex Morgan’s layoff. Morgan ought to have added to the U.S. scoreline, however her Forty fourth-minute penalty was saved by Tran. It was left to Smith to increase the Individuals’ lead, scoring deep into first-half stoppage time as she fired house after a weak tried punch by Tran.

The U.S. saved up its territorial dominance within the second half, and eventually broke by way of within the 77th minute with Smith helping on Lindsey Horan’s aim.

Here is how the person performances stacked up.

Participant rankings (0-10; 10=greatest; 5=common. Gamers launched after 70 minutes get no ranking.)

GK Alyssa Naeher6 — She touched the ball 4 instances within the first half. That just about summed up a stress-free day.

DF Emily Fox5 — Defended her facet effectively sufficient however wanted to be sharper within the attacking half. Missed a wonderful probability within the 66th minute when she blazed her shot over the bar from shut vary.

DF Julie Ertz7 — Wasn’t sharp on the ball early however then stayed inside herself by way of passing. Was her standard bodily drive within the again.

DF Naomi Girma8 — Cool and composed on the ball, and used her tempo effectively to snuff out what few assaults Vietnam may muster. Her lengthy diagonal passes created issues for Vietnam, creating the scramble previous to Smith’s second aim.

DF Crystal Dunn6 — Was an element going ahead and may do extra of that, particularly with Smith not all the time linking up effectively with teammates.

MF Savannah DeMelo5 — A combined bag. Did loads of good work defensively, however in assault it was a unique story. She slipped Morgan in on aim with a pointy go, however she did not get on the ball sufficient and wanted to be extra impactful.

MF Andi Sullivan6 — Stored the U.S. assault ticking over and received the ball again when she wanted to. Led the group with 16 defensive interventions.

MF Lindsey Horan7 — A bit inconsistent within the first half. Compelled the problem by way of the center too typically however did have a hand in Smith’s opener. Heated up a bit extra within the second half after which delivered the capper that would show crucial if aim differential decides the group.

3-0 @USWNT COURTESY OF THE CAPTAIN LINDSEY HORAN! pic.twitter.com/AYqKLvOMPc

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023

FW Trinity Rodman6 — Shook off an early knock to be an actual drive out vast within the first half and earned a penalty late within the first half. Pale a bit after halftime.

FW Alex Morgan5 — Confirmed her high quality with a deft contact that set the desk for Smith’s opener however did not put house a penalty earned by Rodman.

FW Sophia Smith8 — Expectations have been excessive for Smith getting into the match and she or he largely delivered, taking her targets effectively. Whereas she wasn’t at her greatest in phrases by way of link-up play, she made the performs that mattered, together with the help on Horan’s essential third aim.

Substitutes

FW Megan Rapinoe5 (on for Morgan, 63″) — Her look was her 2 hundredth in a U.S. jersey, a unbelievable milestone for an iconic participant. Had an excellent probability to mark the looks with a aim however fired over within the 71st minute.

MF Rose Lavelle6 (on for DeMelo, 63″) — The U.S. assault perked up after she entered the match, and she or he rattled the bar late, however the perfect information was she made it onto the sphere. The U.S. will want her afterward.

FW Alyssa ThompsonN/R (on for Rodman, 75″) — Memorable day for the 18-year-old. She introduced loads of power to the sphere, too.

DF Kelley O’HaraN/R (on for Dunn, 84″) — The veteran obtained on the sphere for a late cameo and a rugged sort out.

DF Sofia HuertaN/R (on for Fox, 84″) — Appeared wanting tempo in her transient stint.