USWNT blanks Vietnam 3-0 to open Women's World Cup title defense
Smith scored twice and Horan added another to give the Americans the win
The United States opened its defense of the Women’s World Cup with a 3-0 win against Vietnam.
Sophia Smith scored a brace and added one assist in her World Cup debut, while Lindsey Horan added a goal in the second half on Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
Smith scored in the 13th minute off a brilliant Alex Morgan pass. Smith scored a second time right before halftime off a low shot. The goal was reviewed after Morgan was deemed to be offside, but the use of VAR confirmed the goal was valid.
Horan’s goal in the 77th minute, off a Smith pass, gave the Americans three points.
Despite the win, the Americans could have scored more goals. Up 1-0, Morgan had a penalty kick saved, while Vietnam’s goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh made three big saves to keep the score from being even more lopsided.
The United States, who have won the last two Women’s World Cups, face Group E opponents the Netherlands on Wednesday. The Americans close out the group stage on Aug. 1 against Portugal.