The U.S. women’s national team defeated Iceland 3-1 on Thursday in its first match following its gold-medal run this summer at the Paris Olympics. Alyssa Thompson and Jaedyn Shaw, both still teenagers, scored first before Sophia Smith provided a late dagger to seal the result.

Thompson was the only player to start who did not play in this summer’s Olympics. The 19-year-old was widely expected to be called back into the national team following an excellent run of form with Angel City in NWSL. She did not disappoint in Austin, Texas, providing the opening goal, which was also her first international goal.

Absolute LASER from the teenager

USA 1-0 ISL #USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/7Mv7QKdEUk

— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 25, 2024

“I get in those situations a lot in games, so I knew what to do: put it in with my right,” Thompson said during her halftime interview.

Since the NWSL’s return from the Olympic break, Thompson has scored five goals with Angel City and noted she’s spent extra time after training working on cutting in off the wings with an eye for goal alongside her NWSL teammate Christen Press. Thursday night, she got another perfect opportunity to show what those extra reps have unlocked.

Thompson last played for…