Sophia Smith scored twice and the U.S. women’s national team defeated Nigeria 4-0 in a friendly on Saturday in Kansas City, Kan.
Smith scored in the 14th minute and again in the first minute of stoppage time with Lindsey Horan tallying in the 25th for a 3-0 halftime lead. Alex Morgan’s penalty kick in the 52nd minute made it 4-0.
The USWNT ran its home unbeaten streak to 63-0-7. During the span the Americans have outscored opponents 263-28, including 130-2 in the past 30 matches.
This was the first match for the U.S. since winning the CONCACAF W Championship in Mexico in July to qualify for the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Summer Olympics.
As expected, the world’s top-ranked team dominated, beating the Nigerians (ranked 46th) for the seventh time in as many meetings.
Smith took advantage of an errant back pass for open space to the Nigerian goal for the 1-0 lead.
Horan netted her 26th international goal following a corner kick. Nigerian briefly cleared the ball from the box but Smith sent it back in to Horan, who did a sharp cutback to the left to score from the right side of the penalty area.
Smith completed a clinical build-up for the third goal, tapping in a cross by Emily Fox. Smith has nine goals this year to lead the team.
After Mallory Pugh drew the penalty, Morgan converted for her 119th goal in 197 games.
The U.S. extended its winning streak to 12 and unbeaten run to 20 matches since losing to Canada in the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics in August 2021.
The American also have nine consecutive shutouts with Alyssa Naeher making three saves.
With an eye on the World Cup, 21 of the 23 players from the W Championship are available for the two-game set vs. Nigeria which concludes Tuesday in Washington, D.C.
Kelley O’Hara is injured and Trinity Rodman had a family commitment.
–Field Level Media
