As Emma Hayes concluded her second match in charge of the USWNT, the transition from old to new was embodied perfectly in a 3-0 victory over South Korea in St. Paul, Minn. on Tuesday.
Veteran Swiss army knife Crystal Dunn opened the scoring 13 minutes in on her first start at forward in seven years, and 16-year-old debutant Lily Yohannes finished it off as a substitute to wrap it up.
Dunn’s goal gave her the second-longest gap between USWNT goals at 75 caps, while Yohannes became the third-youngest player to ever score for the U.S. women. Between the two was a goal from Sophia Smith in yet another overwhelming victory under their new head coach.
In truth, the first 60 minutes were slightly shakier than the emphatic 4-0 win over this same opponent back on Saturday, and Casey Murphy had more to do in goal than Jane Campbell did days ago in Colorado. But the introduction of Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson gave the U.S. a jolt with 20 minutes to go, and they finished the match off in emphatic style.
Hayes now must make a number of tough decisions on the USWNT roster for the upcoming Summer Olympics, afforded just 18 places plus four alternates on the plane to Paris.
The Sporting News is following the USA vs. South Korea match live, providing score updates,…
