USWNT plays in Kentucky for first time in 20 years, wins 3-0
Tri-State talents Lavelle and Sears continue to impress
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Two decades after the United States Women’s National Team played a match in Louisville, they returned and left victorious.
Girma’s Goals
Defender Naomi Girma’s first two professional goals helped the U.S. best Argentina in front of a sold out crowd at Lynn Family Stadium.
Girma also had the last U.S. touch on an own goal scored by Argentina to give the home side a 2-0 lead.
“It was pretty cool. I think that I was more surprised that I scored. I was just so excited and it was so fun to see the team celebrate it with me,” said Girma.
Two Tri-State Talents
Over 13,500 fans gave loads of applause to Racing Louisville FC rookie, Emma Sears, who was playing her second match with the USWNT. Sears was a constant threat down the right hand side and had a few chances at goal.
Last match, versus Iceland in Nashville, Sears made her debut in red, white and blue assisting and scoring a goal. She is the fourth player to accomplish that feat on her debut in USWNT history.
Playing in her club’s home stadium was another awesome experience for Sears this October camp.
“It was surreal. It’s definitely a different vibe when I’m wearing a different jersey in my home stadium. I couldn’t be happier to represent this crest and this country. It was amazing having a full stadium and the energy was unmatched,” said Sears.
Sears earned praise from Cincinnati’s Rose Lavelle, who was celebrated for playing 100 matches in a U.S. jersey before kickoff in Derby City.
Lavelle’s century mark milestone came over the summer versus South Korea in St. Paul, Minnesota. Honoring her in Louisville was a perfect time for her family to come down from Ohio to celebrate with her.
Rose also captained the side versus La Albiceleste and combined well with Sears to put pressure on their opponent.
“I’ve been saying I think (the Tri-State) is such an underrated soccer area. There’s a lot of talent that comes out of this neck of the woods. I keep saying you can be what you can see so I think it’s amazing event having Emma here,” said Lavelle.
Foreign Friendlies
The USWNT is back in action next month away in Europe for a pair of friendly matches versus England on November 30 and the Netherlands on December 3.
Manager Emma Hayes’ team ends their 2024 home campaign with a 11W-1L-3D record on home soil and are now unbeaten in 13 games.
