USWNT Trample Argentina. Horan Scores and Assist.

CARSON, Calif. – The United States Women’s National Soccer Team ( USWNT) overwhelmed FIFA’s 31st ranked Argentina in their second match of of Group A play in CONCACAF’s W Gold Cup Tournament. 

The Lady Yanks won, 4-0, to remain in first place in their Group. They now move on to play on Monday against south-of-border rival, Mexico.

Mexico (1-0-1, 4 points) rebounded from its scoreless outcome against the same Argentina team in their opener with an 8-0 rout of the Dominican Republic.

From the start of the match, the U.S. successfully countered Argentina’s attempts at jump starting their offense and putting the Yanks on their back foot. The latter never happen in the 101-minute match that was played under another murky sky in South Los Angeles.

Coloradans Lindsey Horan and Sophia Smith both earned applause from the lively audience at Dignity Health Sports Park. Horan played the entire match, while Smith subbed in for Alex Morgan at the 46 minutes mark. 

Morgan was a very late addition to the team’s roster. She joined the team on Monday replacement for Mia Fishel, who tore a ligament in her right knee during a training session.

The veteran earned the start and responded by delivering a looping header goal in the first half.

“It’s good to get on the score sheet and we were really attacking minded tonight. Getting three goals in 20 minutes or less is great,” Morgan later said.

At the ninth minuet, a feisty Horan channeled her anger after being tripped up near the sideline. She rose up and delivered a lovely pass to teenage phenom, Jaedyn Shaw. Shaw broke towards the goal, and then fired in a brilliant shot. The 19-year-old went on to win Women of the Match honors.

Seven minutes later, Horan started another attack in Argentina’s 18. She offered up a swift give-and-go pass play that would ultimately find Shaw, again. She followed-up by punching in the second goal.

In the second period, it was time for Horan to bring the crowd up off of their chairs and roar.

The VAR triggered a full review of a probable handball in the Yanks’ box. The call would favored the U.S. Matters then got prickly between the two sides. The referee intervened between several arguments that sprouted up on the soggy pitch. 

Ultimately, Horan stepped up to the penalty spot, backed up, took two deep breaths, stutter stepped in the forward direction, and then slapped the ball into the upper left hand corner of the goal. 

Four-nil United States. Horan scored again goal in the 90th minute, however she was flagged for being offsides. Her goal was subtracted was from the scoreboard. Soon thereafter, the final whistles sounded and the delighted Stars and Stripes celebrated both on the field, and at the base of the stands with their giddy supporters.

“Argentina is a very tough team to play,” interim U.S. coach Twila Kilgore stated during the post-match media gathering. “I feel like we left a lot on the table. I’m confident that we will grow as the tournament goes on.” She added, “I feel like we did an excellent job shutting down their outlets.”

When asked about the team’s next match, Kilgore said, “Mexico is hard-working, organized. I expect they will make changes and will do what’s best for their team and we will do what’s best for our team.”

Photo Credit: John Babiak

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