USWNT vs. New Zealand: How the US Can Carry Success Into Game 2

The USWNT traveled to Wellington, New Zealand, for a multi-match showdown with the Football Ferns. HBO Max began their first venture into live-streaming a sporting event which was received with mixed reviews. While the stream might have been slow in parts, the USWNT was the exact opposite with how they played against New Zealand. The Stars and Stripes attacked with purpose, and the Ferns could not create much, if anything, on goal. Let’s recap the first match between the USWNT and New Zealand and get you ready for the second one.

USWNT vs. New Zealand Recap

The one unexpected match fact was a 0-0 scoreline at halftime. The USWNT created numerous chances but wasn’t clinical enough in front of the goal. With this being the squad’s first match in quite some time, there was some rust to shake off. The match could have ended worse than 4-0 for New Zealand. Alex Morgan missed a header she normally scores, and Lindsey Horan missed a sitter from close range even though Erin Nayler made a great save. 

The goal seemed imminent for the USWNT, and the breakthrough would finally come in early in the second half. Trinity Rodman entered the fray and changed the game completely. Rodman easily blew by her marker and put in a teasing ball that was begging to be hit. Mallory Swanson obliged with a well-guided header. 

The ball from @trinity_rodman, the finish from @MalPugh 🤌

📺 @NBCUniverso / @peacock pic.twitter.com/8PXh84LJ3I

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 18, 2023

The second goal was even better than the first, with a moment of magic from Rose Lavelle. This backheel assist is the kind of creativity that would unlock any defense let alone New Zealand’s. 

Alex Morgan’s finish was of the highest quality as well. The keeper did everything right and cut off the angle, yet Morgan timed her shot perfectly, and the ball rolled through Erin Nayler’s legs. That’s the USWNT we know and love. 

We cant stop watching @roselavelle's backheel assist 🌹 pic.twitter.com/1wnBTIsywd

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 18, 2023

Mallory Swanson would add her second of the match with relative ease off of a gorgeous pass from Ashley Sanchez. All it took was one pass to break New Zealand’s rearguard. 

✌️ for @MalPugh

📺 @HBOMax pic.twitter.com/qrsRNDJFoA

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 18, 2023

Seeing Lynn Williams score the last goal was a welcome sight for herself, the team, and USWNT fans everywhere. Clearly, the hamstring injury isn’t hampering her, and her presence in this team is huge because she provides something different in attack. Trinity Rodman added her second assist with another nice ball once again with her left foot. 

.@lynnraenie for a fourth!

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/j1BBTFbeob

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 18, 2023

These four goals were just a preview of what the USWNT does when they’re on point and running at teams. This is the pressure and finishing that we are all used to seeing. 

Second Match Preview

There’s not much New Zealand can do to stop the USWNT in any area when they play. The United States had 75% possession in the first game and should have around the same in the second match. The Ferns sadly do not have enough quality to keep possession and build out front the back. Alyssa Naeher faced two shots total, with one on target. 

That’s not enough to score on the USWNT, and expect more of this in the second match. Don’t be surprised to see a new lineup with younger players like Sam Coffey and Hailie Mace and other veterans like Emily Sonnett and Kristie Mewis come into the team. Everyone on the roster is likely to get minutes, and New Zealand is the perfect team to do it against. Be sure to catch the second match and stream on HBO Max on January 20th, 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT. 

Featured image via @uswnt on Instagram

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