Lynn Williams made a statement in her return to the United States Women’s National Team with a goal in Tuesday’s 4-0 friendly win over New Zealand. The USWNT kicked off their new year with a January camp in 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-host nation New Zealand. The two teams will end the month with a second game on Friday.
The US got off to a slow start in the first half against the Socceroos Ferns, struggling to connect passes and disjointed in the middle of the pitch. With offseason rust rearing its ugly head, the team still held most of the possession (74%) and attempted more passes (325) than New Zealand. But a lack of urgency and only one shot on target resulted in only one attempt on target.
Player substitutions for USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski paved the way for victory. Trinity Rodman immediately impacted the game and provided two assists, including one on the opening goal for the team led by Mallory Swanson.
Swanson closed out the game with two goals and Alex Morgan scored three goals. In the 74th minute, Williams scored the fourth goal to lead the game. It was Williams’ first game since a 10-month absence from the team due to hamstring surgery.
what now
The victory was the first opening-year win for the USWNT since 1999. The coaching staff will likely rotate several players as the team looks ahead to its next game on Friday, Jan. 20. The team will now travel to Auckland. A pair of friendships.
