Back-to-back wins for Hayes as US women down Korea 3-0

English Woman's Journal - Back-to-back wins for Hayes as US women down Korea 3-0

SPORTS 05.06.2024

Back-to-back wins for Hayes as US women down Korea 3-0 / Photo: Adam Bettcher - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

The United States women's national soccer team continued their winning ways under new coach Emma Hayes on Tuesday with a 3-0 friendly victory over South Korea in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Change text size:

Veteran Crystal Dunn, striker Sophia Smith and 16-year-old debutant Lily Yohannes scored the goals in another impressive victory for the US, who are building towards next month's Olympics after a disappointing World Cup campaign last year.

English coach Hayes made nine changes to her starting line-up for her second game in charge following her team's 4-0 win over the Koreans in Saturday's opening friendly.

The boldest move saw Hayes start veteran defender Dunn as a right winger, the first time the 31-year-old has played in an advanced role for the US team since 2017.

That adventurous selection paid off after just 13 minutes, when a flowing US counterattack ended with Jenna Nighswonger arrowing a cross into the penalty area which Dunn tucked away at the far post to make it 1-0.

The hosts controlled play for the remainder of the half although goalkeeper Casey Murphy was forced into a spectacular diving save at the half-hour mark after Ji So-yun's free-kick looked destined for the net.

The US looked instantly more threatening after Hayes made a wave of substitutions after 62 minutes, bringing on Smith, Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sam Coffey for Alex Morgan, Nighswonger, Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Horan.

The injection of pace and movement from Smith, Rodman and Swanson in particular was instrumental in doubling the US lead on 67 minutes.

The high-pressing Rodman surged forward from midfield and crossed low into the box, finding Swanson, whose back-heeled flick was gathered by Smith to finish from an acute angle.

The biggest cheer of the night however came in the final 10 minutes when teenager Yohannes, who had replaced Korbin Albert after 72 minutes, made it 3-0.

Rodman was once again instrumental in the goal, crossing from the right and finding Yohannes, who coolly swept home a low finish for a memorable goal on her international debut.

N.Steward--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.