USWNT October Friendlies: Iceland Recap and Argentina Preview

The USWNT took on Iceland in a pair of challenging friendlies. It wasn’t smooth sailing in either match. Iceland put the Stars and Stripes through plenty of adversity, but both games ended with the same score: 3-1. Ultimately, the United States had too much firepower for Iceland as they overwhelmed their opponents in the final third of each game. Here’s a recap of everything that went down in Austin and Nashville, plus we’ll delve a little deeper into their next match with Argentina.

USWNT vs. Iceland Recap

The first match in Austin saw Alyssa Thompson continue her rich run of form by scoring her first-ever USWNT goal. Iceland didn’t read the scouting report well enough as Thompson did what she does best: the phenom cut inside and curled the ball off the crossbar into the top corner. 

ALYSSA THOMPSON’S FIRST USWNT GOAL IS A BAAAAAAANGER pic.twitter.com/cTh7VD7PpB

— Diaspora United Pod (@DiasporaUtdPod) October 25, 2024

Iceland equalized early in the second half through some nice build-up play. They kept possession well before this surreal strike from Selma Sól Magnúsdóttir. Alyssa Naeher has no chance of stopping it. 

That is STUNNING. 😳

Selma Sól Magnúsdóttir with a brilliant strike to equalize for Iceland.

📺 NBC Universo & Peacock pic.twitter.com/hmy5UF0GCx

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 25, 2024

For a brief moment, it seemed as though Iceland had a chance to pull out a historic draw but Jaedyn Shaw had other ideas. 

19-year-old Jaedyn Shaw gives the USWNT a late lead with a BEAUTY! 😍

📺 NBC Universo & Peacock pic.twitter.com/4L8IuX6J4y

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 25, 2024

This shows how little space Shaw needs to operate to be dangerous. Once Shaw picked up the ball, she was decisive in taking on Iceland’s defenders, using a nice inside-out move to get in behind. Her composure is great to see. She didn’t panic and poked the ball past the keeper for a great goal. 

Minutes later, Sophia Smith added the final goal to tie the game and secure the United States’ win. 

USWNT vs. Iceland Game 2

The second friendly proved to be tougher, as Iceland was resolute in its defense for most of the match. Iceland took a surprising lead after an Olympico corner kick from Karólína Lea Vilhjálmsdóttir. Casey Murphy will be disappointed that this ball went through her hands before going into the net. 

Karólína Lea Vilhjálmsdóttir stuns the USWNT with an Olimpico 😱pic.twitter.com/zoAHW67JVc

— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) October 27, 2024

A few debutants got their opportunity to start the game and push for the equalizer for another 15 to 20 minutes. Yazmeen Ryan and Olivia Moultrie made room for Emma Sears and Alyssa Thompson. Sears and Lynn Williams played a huge role in the second half after the USWNT simply could not find a way through Iceland’s backline. 

Finally, Lynn Williams took her chance to tie the game, and it was a ruthless piece of finishing. Notice the quick entry pass from Emma Sears. She brought her attacking and direct style of play with her to the USWNT.

LYNN WILLIAMS EQUALIZER!!!!! pic.twitter.com/2DuscO1ipM

— Diaspora United Pod (@DiasporaUtdPod) October 27, 2024

Williams almost had a second goal. It was credited as an assist as Horan tapped it in on what was a great free kick from Mallory Swanson. Swanson put the ball into such a dangerous area, and Williams made a great run. Horan was there to finish just in case the ball was going wide. 

Emma Sears provided the final goal in stoppage time to seal the second 3-1 win over Iceland. This was a great finish after multiple USWNT attackers came so close to scoring. 

The 23rd player in USWNT history to score in her first cap: Emma Sears!!!#USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/OTfoM3xWv9

— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 27, 2024

Sears kept her composure, took her time, and calmly slotted the ball into the far corner. It’s safe to say she was impressive with a goal and assist in this game. If Emma Hayes sees fit, the Racing Louisville striker has earned more playing time with the USWNT. The purpose of these friendlies was to see what else America has in the player pool. The USWNT might have found a diamond in the rough with Emma Sears. She looks ready for more chances at a higher level. 

USWNT vs. Argentina: Wednesday, October 30 at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT on TNT/TruTV/Universo

After playing two challenging games against Iceland, their focus shifts to a slightly easier opponent in Argentina. The last time these two sides matched up was last February’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, in which the United States easily won 4-0. Argentina has been dealing with internal issues within its federation. Players have been protesting for equal treatment and pay for some time, leading to some of the country’s better players sitting out. While their star players take a stand, the rest of their team is trudging on, but the United States is not the team they should look forward to facing with the internal strike ongoing. 

Expect Emma Hayes to give more of the players a debut. With Emma Hayes and Yazmeen Ryan getting their opportunities, don’t be surprised to see Alussa Malonson, Hal Hershfelt,, and Eva Gaetino come onto the pitch at some point. Regardless of who Emma Hayes inserts into the starting lineup, don’t expect them to have much trouble with Argentina. It could get ugly with the USWNT winning by multiple goals. 

Featured image via Getty Images

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