USA brushes off Jamaica as starlet Rodman marks CWC debut with goal

July 8 - USA and Jamaica entered their second group game knowing that a win for either would virtually guarantee progress to the semi-finals and a Cup berth of the world 2023.

USA put in the power to repel a 5-0 defensive Jamaica, bleed a number of players and introduce their latest starlet Trinity Rodman to the world of major tournament women's international soccer

US coach Vlatko Andonovski has made eight changes from the side that beat Haiti 3-0 three days ago, leaving out captain Becky Sauerbrunn and star striker Alex Morgan. A wave of youth ensued, with the captaincy passing to Lindsey Horan to battle the team from central midfield.

Jamaica made just two changes to the squad that secured a surprise 1-0 win over Mexico.

The United States was quick to impose itself on the Jamaicans.

In the 4th minute, Sofia Smith beat her defender down the right side and fished in on goal, wrapping the ball beautifully outside her foot around the Jamaican keeper. The Portland Thorns striker got a second on 8 minutes when she came on the end of a through ball to lift it over Spencer.

The United States could have led three points in 10 minutes when Lindsey Hatch found herself at the end of a fight in the Jamaican zone to hammer home, only for the offside to be ruled offside .

Bob Marley's Three Little Birds had exploded before the game with the message 'Don't worry', but the Jamaican defense was spoiling the moment and showing plenty to worry about, nothing was right.

American pressure in Jamaica's final third made it difficult for the Reggae Girlz to find a rhythm or long periods of possession.

In the 24th minute, a Rose Lavelle corner was turned against the bar as the Jamaicans fell deeper and deeper

Two minutes later, USA were denied their third when a cross from Sofia Huerta from the right was stolen by Ashley Hatch, only for VAR to dismiss the goal.

It was a half that ended 2-0 but saw a procession of missed chances by USA. Jamaican Khadija Shaw was a threat but limited, too often pushed back where she couldn't make the best use of her physical presence.

Relentless US

The second half started as the first half ended with the USA dominating. In the 48th minute, the Chicago Red Star forward turned Mallory Pugh into a defender and hit the post. A minute later, Lindsey Horan headed just inches wide.

Within 58 minutes, the United States had their third. An attack down the left saw Ashley Sanchez slide the ball into the goal for Lavelle to fire home, a just reward for his tireless run in the 80+ degree heat.

With half an hour to go, Andonovski brought in the latest American starlet Trinity Rodman.

  Sports   Jul 9, 2022   0   104  Add to Reading List