USWNT player ratings vs Vietnam: Superstar Sophia Smith introduces herself with dominant World Cup debut
The Portland Thorns star scored two and assisted another in her first appearance on the biggest stage.
Rest of the world, meet Sophia Smith. She's the U.S. women's national team's newest superstar and she's ready to dominate. The 22-year-old attacker has arrived at the World Cup and, if Friday night's opener is any indication, she's more than ready to take over.
Smith was unplayable in the USWNT's 3-0 win over Vietnam, scoring the first two goals of the night before assisting captain Lindsey Horan on the USWNT's third. It was a game where the USWNT never really reached the top level, but it surely was a game where Smith did.
The Portland Thorns star has been earmarked by many as the USWNT's, and women's soccer's, next big star, and she certainly proved anyone who has said so with evidence in this one. Smith looks ready to be this summer's breakout star and this was a good first step in that regard.
It was a good step for the USWNT, too. This wasn't Thailand in 2019, not by any stretch. Vietnam should be proud of their performance as they, largely, kept the USWNT at bay.
Unfortunately for Vietnam, though, there was no stopping Smith. Up next is the Netherlands; let's see what they can cook up to slow her down.
GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Eden Park:
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