Alyssa Thompson scored her first goal for her country, Jaedyn Shaw provided the go-ahead goal in the 85th minute, and the US women’s national team beat Iceland 3-1 in an exhibition game on Thursday night.
Sophia Smith also scored for the US in the team’s first match since winning gold at the Paris Olympics under new coach Emma Hayes.
The 19-year-old Thompson, who was left off the Olympic roster, made her third start for the US. She has scored five goals in her last eight games for Angel City of the National Women’s Soccer League. Thompson whipped the ball across the face of Iceland’s goal and into the top corner in the 39th minute.
“Coming on to the field and wearing in the jersey in the beginning, I was like, this is surreal,” Thompson said. “And being able to get my first goal, I just can’t describe how I feel. I’m just so happy.”
Iceland tied the game after Selma Sol Magnusdottir’s goal from distance in the 56th minute. It was the midfielder’s fifth international goal and it was just the third goal allowed by the US in 11 matches under Hayes, who took over in May.
Shaw’s goal went between the legs of Iceland goalkeeper Telma Ivarsdottir. Smith scored from distance three minutes later.
The US starting lineup included six players who faced Brazil in the gold medal match in Paris. Defender Emily Sonnett started in her 100th national team appearance. Yazmeen Ryan made her first appearance for the USWNT, entering as a second-half sub.
The United States and Iceland will play another friendly on Sunday in Nashville, Tennessee. The Americans will then face Argentina in Louisville, Kentucky, next Wednesday.Trinity Rodman will miss the three matches while she recovers from a back injury. Crystal Dunn was left off the roster because of a personal commitment.