FRISCO, TEXAS — It wasn’t the prettiest first half but the USA team managed to switch gears, scoring two goals in the second half to secure them a 2-0 sweep over China.
Entering tonight’s matchup, the USA had a clean sheet against China in their first of two meetings, securing a 3-0 win in Ft. Lauderdale. However, China arrived in Texas with a vengeance.
China initiated midfield pressure early in the match, but Ashley Hatch from the USA facilitated ball movement, leading to the team securing 65% possession with 301 passes. The team concluded the half with eight shots, three of which were on target, compared to China’s three shots with one on target.
China’s Yan Jinjin emerged as a top defender, facilitating the ball’s movement downfield in the 40th minute. Towards the end of the half, the referee added three more minutes due to time lost earlier in the match after a shot to the shin on USA defender Emily Fox.
In the first of the three additional minutes, China midfielder Shen Mengu scored the first goal of the game, giving their team a 1-0 lead heading into the locker room.
After China tightened up on defense, the USA team secured a corner kick. Midfielder Sam Coffey capitalized on the opportunity, scoring the USA’s first goal and marking her debut goal with the USWNT in the 62nd minute. But the USA team was just getting started.
The nineteen-year-old Frisco native, Jaedyn Shaw, added to the score with the USA’s second goal of the game after a free kick by Jenna Nighswonger in the 79th minute.
Shaw mentioned postgame that she was excited to play in her hometown and stated that scoring a goal topped off her night.
“I was really happy just to play in front of my family and friends,” said Shaw. “Being able to showcase what all of my hard work has brought me to. I’ve missed a lot of family gatherings and all of that kind of stuff growing up for soccer. Tonight was a full circle moment and I am very appreciative.”
The USA team has concluded the 2023 schedule with an overall record of 14 wins, zero loses, and four draws.
