Alyssa Thompson scored her first goal for her country, Jaedyn Shaw provided the go-ahead goal in the 85th minute and the U.S. women’s national team defeated Iceland 3-1 in an exhibition game on Thursday evening.
Sophia Smith also scored for the U.S. in the team’s first match since winning gold at the Paris Olympics under new coach Emma Hayes.
The 19-year-old Thompson, who was left out of the Olympic squad, made her third start for the US. She has scored five goals in her last eight games for Angel City of the National Women’s Soccer League. Thompson hit the ball over Iceland’s goal and into the top corner in the 39th minute.
“When I stepped on the field and wore the jersey at first, I thought, this is surreal,” Thompson said. “And now that I’ve scored my first goal, I just can’t describe how I feel. I’m just so happy.”
Iceland tied the match after Selma Sol Magnusdottir’s goal from distance in the 56th minute. It was the midfielder’s fifth international goal and only the third goal allowed by the US in eleven games under Hayes, who took charge in May.
Shaw’s goal ended up between the legs of Icelandic goalkeeper Telma Ivarsdottir. Smith scored from distance three minutes later.
The U.S. starting lineup consisted of six players who faced Brazil in the gold medal match in Paris. Defender Emily Sonnett made her 100th appearance for the national team. Yazmeen Ryan made her first appearance for the USWNT, coming on as a substitute in the second half.
The United States and Iceland will play another friendly match on Sunday in Nashville, Tennessee. The Americans face Argentina next Wednesday in Louisville, Kentucky. Trinity Rodman will miss the three games as she recovers from a back injury. Crystal Dunn was left out of the selection due to a personal involvement.