USA women stroll to friendly win over China capped by Trinity Rodman goal

By James On Dec 2, 2023

Trinity Rodman had a goal and two assists to help the United States beat China 3-0 in a friendly on Saturday.

Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan also scored in the first of two friendlies against China to end the year. The second is scheduled for Tuesday in Frisco, Texas, outside Dallas.

Smith scored in the eighth minute, beating Chinese goalkeeper Xu Huan on a pass from Rodman. It was Smith's 15th international goal in 37 appearances for the national team.

Horan made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute, hitting the ball from distance before it bounced past Xu and into the goal. It was her 30th goal.

Rodman closed out the scoring in the 77th with an assist from Jaedyn Shaw. Rodman celebrated with a cheeky dance in front of the goal.

Veterans Alex Morgan, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alyssa Naeher and Crystal Dunn got some time off, and interim coach Twila Kilgore focused her roster on youth.

Among the players called up for the games were three teenagers: Shaw, Olivia Moultrie and Alyssa Thompson. It was also the first roster appearance for Jenna Nighswonger, who plays for Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League, and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Korbin Albert.

Moultrie and Nighswonger both made their American debuts as second-half substitutes.

American forward Sophia Smith reacts after scoring against China during the first half at the DRV PNK Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Sam Navarro/USA Today Sports

Kilgore chose the squad in consultation with US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker and Emma Hayes, the new coach who will join the team in May after finishing the season with Chelsea.

Hayes visited the team during training camp prior to the final two games.

Veteran defender Abby Dahlkemper started against China, making her first appearance for the team in 599 days after undergoing back surgery in October 2022.

Rose Lavelle also returned to the starting line-up, who had not played with the team since the World Cup due to an injury. Lavelle played as a winger in Kilgore's 4-3-3 formation.

The Steel Roses, ranked 15th in the world, finished second at the 1999 World Cup, won by the United States in the Rose Bowl.

Wang Jun served as interim coach for China. Former coach Shui Qingxia was fired after the Steel Roses failed to qualify for the Olympics.