LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals and the United States beat Argentina 3-0 on Wednesday night in the team’s final match of the year on American soil.
It was the third match in six days for the United States, which also won the first two against Iceland. The matches were the first for the United States since the team won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics this past summer.
Girma, a defender, scored on a header in the 37th minute, then raised her arms and smiled as U.S. coach Emma Hayes applauded her. Girma played every minute of the Olympic tournament in France.
“The ball just fell right in front of me, it was so great,” Girma said. “I was like, I don’t think I can miss this. It fell right on my head.”
Girma played a role in an own goal that put the U.S. up 2-0 before halftime. She got a head on Rose Lavelle’s corner kick and the ball was deflected into the goal by Argentina’s Aldana Cometti.
Girma made it 3-0 with another header in the 49th minute. Afterward she ran to the sidelines and embraced former Stanford teammate Sophia Smith on the bench.
“I feel like anytime anyone gets their first goal, it’s always such a joy and the whole team gets excited,” Girma said. “So it was fun to get mine tonight.”
Hayes shook up the lineup against Argentina at Louisville’s Lynn Family Stadium, resting players because of the final regular-season matches in the National Women’s Soccer League this weekend with playoff spots and seeding still on the line.
Three newcomers started: goalkeeper Mandy Haught, Eva Gaetino and Alyssa Malonson. It was the first time in 23 years that three or more players have started in their debuts for the national team.
Lavelle, named captain for the match, was honored beforehand for playing in 100 games for the national team. She reached the milestone in June.
“It was kind of our victory tour, so (we got) three solid wins and a lot of celebration and proud moments for individuals,” defender Emily Fox said.
The U.S. will close out the year with a pair of matches in Europe. They play England at Wembley on Nov. 30 before facing the Netherlands in The Hague on Dec. 3.
“We’re obviously excited to head to Europe and play two great opponents,” Girma said. “I think now it’s about turning the page on this celebration and really looking forward to 2027, and trying to make sure we start developing things now.”
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
