By outdoor-nature-child.com In a thrilling exhibition match on Thursday night, the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) secured a 3-1 victory over Iceland, marking their first game since clinching gold at the Paris Olympics. The match showcased standout performances, including Alyssa Thompson scoring her first international goal and Jaedyn Shaw netting the decisive goal in the 85th minute.
Sophia Smith also contributed to the scoreboard, highlighting the team’s attacking prowess under new head coach Emma Hayes. Thompson, a 19-year-old talent who did not make the Olympic roster, made her third start for the US. She has been in remarkable form, finding the net five times in her last eight appearances for Angel City in the National Women’s Soccer League. Her first goal for the national team came in the 39th minute, a spectacular shot that sailed across the face of Iceland’s goal and into the top corner.
Reflecting on the experience, Thompson expressed her excitement, saying, “Coming onto the field and wearing the jersey at the start, I was like, this is surreal. And being able to get my first goal, I just can’t describe how I feel. I’m just so happy.”
Iceland managed to equalize in the 56th minute with a long-range effort from Selma Sol Magnusdottir, marking her fifth international goal. This was only the third goal conceded by the US under Hayes, who took charge of the team in May.
The US regained control as Shaw’s goal slipped between the legs of Iceland’s goalkeeper, Telma Ivarsdottir, shortly followed by Smith’s distance strike three minutes later.
The starting lineup featured six players who had participated in the gold medal match against Brazil in Paris, with defender Emily Sonnett celebrating her 100th national team appearance. Yazmeen Ryan also made her debut, coming on as a second-half substitute.
Looking ahead, the USWNT is set to face Iceland again in another friendly this Sunday in Nashville, Tennessee, followed by a match against Argentina in Louisville, Kentucky, next Wednesday. Notably, Trinity Rodman will be sidelined for these matches due to a back injury, while Crystal Dunn was omitted from the roster for personal reasons.