Naomi Girma scores first USWNT goals in win over Argentina – Orange County Register

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals as the United States defeated Argentina 3-0 in an exhibition match on Wednesday night, the team’s final game 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 games were the first for the United States since the team won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics last summer.

Girma, a 24-year-old 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 in front of me, it was so amazing,” Girma said. “I thought: I don’t think I can miss this. It fell right on my head.”

Girma played a role in an own goal that gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead before halftime. She got a header on a corner kick from Rose Lavelle and the ball was bounced into the goal by Argentina’s Aldana Cometti.

Girma made it 3-0 with another header in the 49th minute. Then she ran to the sideline and hugged former Stanford teammate Sophia Smith on the bench.

“I feel like when someone gets their first goal, it’s always so much fun and the whole team is excited,” Girma said. “So it was nice to get mine tonight.”

Hayes shook up the lineup against Argentina at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, resting players ahead of the final regular-season games 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 made their debuts for the national team.

Lavelle, named captain of 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 had three solid wins and a lot of celebration and proud moments for individuals,” defenseman Emily Fox said.

The US ends the year with a pair of games in Europe. The Americans will play England at Wembley Stadium on November 30 and against the Netherlands in The Hague on December 3.

“We are obviously excited to go to Europe and play against 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 that we start developing things now.”

Originally published: October 30, 2024 at 7:16 PM PDT