The USWNT were again utterly dominant in their second matchup with New Zealand, aka the Football Ferns. New Zealand was slightly better in their ability to keep possession and had the ball in the United States’ half for brief moments, but in the end, the USWNT was just too good. Let’s recap what happened in the second match between the United States and New Zealand and look ahead to the SheBelieves Cup and beyond.
USWNT vs. New Zealand Game 2
Alex Morgan was a late scratch from the lineup due to lower leg tightness. Naturally, the USWNT has to take every precaution necessary. Ashley Hatch came in to take her place and had an immediate impact with a nice finish. Trinity Rodman showed her skill as well. The left-footed pass while running as fast as she does is so tough to do.
GO ON, @ash_hatch33 🐣🐣🐣 pic.twitter.com/UmsJqDRyS5
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 21, 2023
Hatch was able to nudge the ball into the back of the net to give the Americans the early lead. Next up, Sofia Huerta provided a gem of a cross into the box, which Rose Lavelle slid home with a nice one-time finish. Huerta has the versatility to play as a midfielder but has been converted to play as a defender, and her crossing ability is the main reason why.
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