Five Things To Know: USWNT vs. New Zealand
Here’s everything you need to know before the USWNT faces New Zealand on Wednesday, Oct. 29 in Kansas City, Missouri
The U.S. Women’s National Team closes the October window with a matchup against New Zealand on Wednesday, Oct. 29 in Kansas City.
Here are five storylines heading into Wednesday night’s match:
1. The USWNT Has Been Scoring Fast
On Sunday, the USWNT opened the scoring in the first minute of play. Midfielder Olivia Moultrie’s goal 44 seconds into the match was not the first time the U.S. has scored in the opening minute this year – it wasn’t even the first time this camp. Midfielder Rose Lavelle previously scored 33 seconds into the opener against Portugal. The U.S. has been getting off to lightning-fast starts in this October set, and we’ll see if they go three-for-three Wednesday night.
2. The USWNT Faces Their Second Opponent of the Window
After splitting results with Portugal in the first two contests of the three-match set, the U.S. will now face a different opponent – New Zealand. The Football Ferns, co-hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, enter the Wednesday’s matchup ranked No. 33 in the world. In 20 straight meetings against New Zealand, the USWNT is unbeaten and has outscored them 82-6 in those matches, the USWNT’s longest active unbeaten run against any opponent.
3. A Young Class is Bringing Energy… and Goals
Head coach Emma Hayes’ roster for October camp includes a mix of veterans and young players. In the second match against Portugal, Hayes started a lineup with an average age of 21.7. The young players stepped up in an impressive way and put on an energetic performance to lead the USWNT to a 3-1 win. Moultrie scored twice and young starters such as Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, Jaedyn Shaw and Jordyn Bugg made key contributions to help the United States bounce back against Portugal.
4. A First-Ever Visit to CPKC Stadium
The venue for Wednesday night’s contest is one-of-a-kind. CPKC Stadium in Kansas City is the first-ever soccer-specific stadium built for a women’s soccer team. The historic venue is home to the Kansas City Current, this regular season champions in NWSL. Several players in camp including Hutton, Michelle Cooper, Ally Sentnor and Lo’eau LaBonta play for the Current and will get a chance to put on a show in for their home club fans.
A general view of CPKC Stadium Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
5. There’s Nothing Like a Warm Cup of Coffey
Midfielder Sam Coffey sealed the win for the USWNT on Sunday with her 82nd minute finish off an Ally Sentnor corner kick. With the goal, Coffey has now scored in three straight USWNT camps. The holding midfielder scored one against China PR on May 31, one against Ireland on June 26, and another against Canada on July 2 during the summer window. Her latest in East Hartford extended Coffey’s international total to five and continues her excellent run of form for both club and country.
On the Pitch
On the Pitch
On the Pitch
On the Pitch
On the Pitch
