Newcomers help USWNT to group play wins


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SALT LAKE CITY — After a historic win in the first match of group play, the United States Women’s National Soccer team won Group F of the FIFA Women’s Word Cup.

Their 13-0 win against Thailand will go down in the record books as the largest point deficit in World Cup history. Following that win, the team went on to defeat Chile 3-0 and Sweden 2-0 to closeout group play.

Team USA scored a total of 18 goals in group play, which is the highest number of group play goals scored in World Cup history. Those wins would not have been possible without the help of the team's newcomers.

Of the 23 roster spots, 11 are held by players who are making their first World Cup appearance in 2019. All 11 of these women saw playing time in the group stage, and many of them played big roles for the team.

  • Lindsey Horan, who plays for the Portland Thorns FC club, was the only new player to score in two different games — goals against both Thailand and Sweden — and started in all three group play games. Her goal against Sweden was scored in the third minute and is recorded as the fastest goal in 2019 World Cup group play.
  • Samantha Mewis, who plays for the North Carolina Courage club, took advantage of her starts against Thailand and Sweden, as well as playing time against Chile. The midfielder scored her first two World Cup goals against Thailand and also recorded two assists in the same game. She also assisted Horan during the win against Sweden.
  • Mallory Pugh, a forward with the Washington Spirit club, started in games one and three, and scored against Thailand. She also assisted teammate Megan Rapinoe in that same game.
  • Rose Lavelle, who plays for the Washington Spirit club, had her first moment of glory against Thailand when she contributed one of 13 goals to the win. She ended group play with two starts and some time against Chile.
  • Tierna Davidson, the youngest player on the squad and members of the Chicago Red Stars club, received only one start against Thailand where she recorded two assists. She subbed into play in the next two games and had two assists against Chile.
  • Abby Dahlkemper and Crystal Dunn, both from the North Carolina Courage club, each contributed on the defensive side of the ball. Dahlkemper started in each of the three games as a defender and Dunn earned two starts and time in each of the three games.
  • Adrianna Franch, who plays for the Portland Thorns FC, is one of the new goalkeepers who saw some play. She was a substitute player in each of the three games.
  • Midfielder Allie Long (Reign FC), forward Jessica McDonald (North Carolina Courage) and defender Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC) all were subs in the first three games. The team will move on to the knockout round where they will play their first game Monday against Spain. The match starts at 10 a.m. MDT and will be broadcast on FS1.

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