USWNT vs. China: Recap and Heading into 2024

The USWNT and China renewed their rivalry in a set of friendlies, and while there were questions about the USWNT roster, they delivered over the two games. China proved to be tough to break down at times and even had a lead during one of the friendlies. Despite that, the United States showed its resilience and fought back. Here’s how it all went down in a recap of the USWNT’s friendlies vs. China.

USWNT vs. China Game 1

In the first match, it didn’t take long for the USWNT to break down China. Naomi Girma bypassed China’s backline with a perfect through ball to Trinity Rodman, who found Sophia Smith for an easy tap-in.

Soph + Trin, that's good soccer. pic.twitter.com/6Y9XrkJS5V

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) December 2, 2023

China would keep the United States at 1-0 in the first half, but they couldn’t keep the Stars and Stripes out for long. Lindsey Horan would get the second on a long, searching ball that was left untouched and found the net past China’s keeper.

In the end, the United States was too much for China down the flanks. Midge Purce did incredibly well to put the move on her defender and find Jaedyn Shaw, who put the ball across the box. Trinity Rodman was ready and had a tap-in on the back post to wrap the game up 3-0.

a tap tap taparoo pic.twitter.com/HpxfuhwffH

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) December 2, 2023

USWNT vs. China Game 2

Now the second match was a completely different story. China was able to make the proper adjustments and keep the United States in front of them for most of the match. The Steel Roses ended up taking a surprising lead right before halftime.

Shen Mengyu puts China 1-0 up on the United States.

📺 @NBCUniverso & @peacock pic.twitter.com/vKVvrR74jn

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) December 6, 2023

Aubrey Kingsbury went for a driven cross that had plenty of pace on it and missed completely. That allowed for the ball to come across, and Shen Mengyu had no issue scoring with the empty net.

The USWNT came out and attacked in the second half, but China stood strong for the first 15 minutes. Sam Coffey would provide the equalizer with a high-quality goal. Most players would’ve wanted to take a touch before shooting, but Coffey understood she had to prepare for the one-time shot because she was in such a tight space. If she took a touch, the chance was gone. Instead, she found the net with a beautiful curler.

.@sscofff tucks it into the corner to equalize! pic.twitter.com/9Kk9BGqZJF

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) December 6, 2023

About 11 minutes later, Jaedyn Shaw would score the game-winner. Her reaction time, composure, and technique for a teenager are other-worldly.

Similar to Sam Coffey’s goal, Shaw had to react in a split second and shoot without much thought. This shows how sharp the team was in camp because in order to come back and win the second game, the United States needed to show their quality as the better team, and they did with these two goals.

Overall, these friendlies were a huge success because the USWNT was tested, and U.S. Soccer was able to evaluate the young talent who were brought into camp. Two wins in two games with Jaedyn Shaw scoring is the perfect experience for a young player to receive. Trinity Rodman continues to play well, Sam Coffey is getting more minutes, Midge Purce looked great on the wing, and numerous players made their first cap for the United States. When this roster beats China twice, and it isn’t at full strength, it’s a great sign for what’s to come in the future.

Featured image via Noel Danseco

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