In the latest match, it was Jaedyn Shaw’s turn to shine brightly. The 19-year-old forward delivered a standout performance, scoring two goals in the opening half as the United States women’s national team secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Argentina in the second CONCACAF W Gold Cup group stage encounter.
Inspired by her teenage teammate Olivia Moultrie’s stellar display in the previous game, where Moultrie netted her first two USWNT goals in a commanding 5-0 win against the Dominican Republic, Shaw emulated her peer’s success.
Despite only earning her sixth cap and making her second start, Shaw demonstrated remarkable composure and skill on the field.
Alex Morgan, who joined the team just days earlier to fill in for the injured Mia Fishel, continued her impressive form by scoring her second goal in as many games.
Morgan’s 19th-minute header added to her previous penalty kick goal, showcasing her determination to secure a spot in the Paris Olympics roster through consistent performances.
Interim head coach Twila Kilgore made significant lineup changes, starting 10 different players compared to the previous game, with Korbin Albert being the sole holdover in midfield. Kilgore’s strategic approach aims to explore various player combinations and formations, essential for refining the squad ahead of the Olympics.
The USWNT exhibited sharper and more aggressive gameplay, a noticeable improvement from previous outings. Lindsey Horan’s midfield dominance, Rose Lavelle’s creative playmaking, and Shaw’s emerging talent highlighted the team’s depth and potential for future success.
In a display of quick thinking and teamwork, Horan’s rapid free kick in the 10th minute set up Shaw’s opening goal, showcasing the team’s agility and offensive prowess.
Despite Argentina’s attempts, including Mariana Larroquette’s near miss, the USWNT maintained control and secured a commanding lead with three goals in the first 19 minutes, courtesy of Shaw and Morgan.
While Horan extended the lead with a penalty kick in the 77th minute, the team couldn’t find the net in open play during the second half, despite several promising opportunities. Kilgore utilized substitutions effectively, allowing valuable playing time for most of the squad, except for third-string goalkeeper Jane Campbell.
The impressive performances of Moultrie and Shaw underscore the emergence of young talent within the USWNT, signaling a promising future for the team. With the Paris Olympics still months away, these rising stars are making their mark early on.
Looking ahead, the USWNT’s focus shifts to their final group stage match against Mexico. Sitting atop Group A with six points, a win or draw would secure their position as group leaders.
With their quarterfinal berth already secured, the team aims to build on their recent successes, striving for more goals and victories as they continue their pursuit of excellence on the field.
