Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals to lead the U.S. women’s national team to a 3-0 victory against Argentina on Wednesday night in Louisville, Kentucky.
The other USWNT score was an own goal by Argentina’s Aldana Cometti.
With the win, the USWNT remains unbeaten in 13 games (12-0-1) under coach Emma Hayes after defeating Iceland twice in their previous games during the October international window.
U.S. goaltender Mandy Haught made one save during the shutout victory in her first international appearance. Ho was called up to the squad after Jane Campbell suffered a muscular injury.
A total of three new players started, including Ho, Eva Gaetino and Alyssa Maronson. It was the first time in 23 years that three or more players started in their national team debut. Argentina lost 35-1 to the USWNT, dropping their overall record to 0-6-0.
The USWNT had an 18-4 advantage in shots, with six shots on target to Argentina’s one.
Wednesday marked Dilma’s 42nd career international appearance. She was highly praised for her defense and seemed surprised when she scored for the first time.
The goal came in the 37th minute. Argentina goalkeeper Solana Pereira and Cometti both tried to get the ball close to the net, but neither could clear it. It flew to Girma, who headed it into the goal.
Seven minutes later, Rose Lavelle took a corner kick and Girma attempted a header. The ball went to Cometti, who used his foot to knock the ball into his own net, giving the Americans a 2-0 lead.
“Because it was our winning tour, [we got] It was three solid wins and a lot of celebration and proud moments for individuals,” said defender Emily Fox.
Girma struck again early in the second half. Maronson passed the ball to Girma, who headed it into the top right corner of the goal in the 49th minute to make it a three-goal lead.
In the 82nd minute, the USWNT had a chance to Jaydyn Shaw, who sent a right-footed free kick over the goal.
Hort’s only save came in the fourth minute when Argentina’s Vanina Preininger placed a long shot on goal.
Eva Gaetino and Maronson joined Hort in making her first appearance for the United States.
Pereira made four saves for Argentina.
The United States will close out the year with two games in Europe. They will face England at Wembley on November 30th and then face Holland in The Hague on December 3rd.
This summary used information from Reuters and Associated Press.
