The USWNT started the new year off with a delayed bang, defeating New Zealand 4-0 in a second-half rout on Wednesday afternoon local time in Wellington, New Zealand.
Mallory Swanson scored a brace, and Alex Morgan and Lynn Williams each added a tally, with all goals coming in the second half of the match. This was the USWNT’s first time opening a World Cup year with a win since 1999.
It took the reigning World Champions over 45 minutes to find the back of the net, as bumpy terrain and a well-organized New Zealand defense stifled the U.S. attack in the first half.
Head coach Vlatko Andonovski made a few interesting lineup choices, starting Taylor Kornieck in the defensive midfield, Emily Fox at right back and Crystal Dunn at left back. Lindsey Horan had two good scoring opportunities, one of which she couldn’t direct away from New Zealand keeper Erin Nayler, and another that was called offside after a Swanson free kick.
After the lackluster start, the U.S. made a few key subs at halftime, including bringing on Andi Sullivan in the defensive midfield and Trinity Rodman in the attack. From there, the USWNT looked much sharper in distribution, and the goals…
