Watch USWNT forward Alyssa Thompson score her first international goal off a stunning finish
The U.S. earned a 3-1 win over Iceland on Thursday behind a strong showing from the team's teenage stars
It was a good night for the USWNT teenagers on Thursday, with the U.S. getting a 3-1 win over Iceland behind some of the team's young stars. Nineteen-year-old forwards Alyssa Thompson and Jaedyn Shaw both gritted out incredible finishes, with Thompson earning her first international goal.
Thompson has been out of the U.S. roster for over a year, but returned with a bang on Thursday. In the 39th minute, she hit a brilliant finish into the top right corner of the goal to give the U.S. an early 1-0 lead.
Absolute LASER from the teenager ☄️
🇺🇸 USA 1-0 ISL 🇮🇸#USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/7Mv7QKdEUk— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 25, 2024
Immediately after the goal, Thompson sprinted over to U.S. forward Sophia Smith, who was on the sideline warming up as a substitute. Smith went on to score the USWNT's third goal of the night — a laser from the top of the box.
SOPH, YOU CRAZY FOR THIS ONE! 😱#USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/OiSc6isyq2
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 25, 2024
But minutes earlier, there was Shaw to get the go-ahead goal in the 85th minute, after Iceland's Selma Sól Magnúsdóttir hit the equalizer earlier in the half. Shaw juked a defender and nutmegged Iceland's goalkeeper on the way to getting her eighth international goal.
pure filth
pic.twitter.com/kvryVhI674— ugh (@838_carlisle) October 25, 2024
Thompson, who earned her third international start in the process, was voted Woman of the Match.
Tenth cap.
Third start.
First international goal.
Alyssa Thompson is your Woman of the Match! pic.twitter.com/00YU839Mge— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 25, 2024
It's an interesting time for the USWNT, with coach Emma Hayes taking the time to find a balance between the team's veterans while also giving new players a chance to prove themselves. Thursday's game marked the 100th cap for veteran defender Emily Sonnett, but also marked the first cap for midfielder Hal Hershfelt and forward Yazmeen Ryan, two NWSL standouts who were called up this window.
The game was the first of three in the October friendly window, with the series serving as a victory tour following the USWNT's gold medal run at the Olympics. The U.S. will play Iceland again on Sunday before taking on Argentina on Wednesday. Hayes said in last week's news conference that there will be different rosters for each of the three games, giving multiple players a chance to get international caps and demonstrate their skills.