The USWNT showed they are also capable of getting the result while trailing on the scoreboard. Even with a plethora of substitutions.
Emma Hayes’ perfect record with the U.S. women’s national team will remain intact after yet another winning performance from the USWNT on Sunday, defeating Iceland 3-1 in their second and last head-to-head against this week at Geodis Park.
USWNT defeat Iceland; honor Kelly O'hara retirement
The match — which was in great measure a celebration of USWNT legend Kelley O’hara’s retirement from national team soccer — got off to a very lackluster start, with the substitutions and changes from the previous game having a clear impact on the team’s display, leading to Iceland’s goal in the 30th minute.
Iceland with the Olimpico and the USWNT trail for the first time in the Emma Hayes era
Watch USA vs. Iceland live on TNT, truTV and Max pic.twitter.com/tZx4hqpRyt— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 27, 2024
USWNT legend Kelley O'Hara was honored at halftime following her retirement after 160 caps pic.twitter.com/aJGt9GDpPJ
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 27, 2024
This was the first instance in which the USWNT had been trailing since Emma Hayes’ appointment as head coach.
The negative momentary result lead to a set of changes from Hayes in the second half, with the subs having an instant impact on the USWNT’s quick turn-around set of goals.
In the 72nd minute, a swift play from Alyssa Thompson down the flank, followed by a cross and a series of rebounds inside the box, left Lynn Williams in front of goal to put the score level.
Not even four minutes later, a set-piece cross toward first post, headed back into the spot, left Lindsey Horan with a wide open goal to put the U.S. ahead.
LYNN SLOTS IT IN!#USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/RIFhKEUu0B
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 27, 2024
On the DOORSTEP from Linds!#USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/RzsENCa8cT
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 27, 2024
It wasn’t until added time when debutant, Emma Sears, found the ball at the edge of the box after a rebound and hit a perfect strike to score on her first U.S women’s national team match. Sears became the 23rd player in USWNT history to score in her first appearance.
The 23rd player in USWNT history to score in her first cap: Emma Sears!!!#USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/OTfoM3xWv9
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 27, 2024
Hayes and the USWNT will now prepare their third and last match in the October camp, traveling to Louisville, Kentucky to face Argentina at Lynn Family Stadium on Wednesday.