Despite it being Julie Ertz's big night, Lynn Williams quietly stole the limelight with a brilliant two-goal performance.
All eyes were on Julie Ertz, and rightfully so. The U.S. women's national team legend was here to say goodbye, one last run and one last game for a player that has had so many important ones over the years. With her 2023 World Cup teammates around her, Ertz made way early on to a much-deserved ovation.
But, while this was Ertz's day, it was also Lynn Williams', too. A player that was overlooked at the World Cup could not be overlooked on Thursday night, even with all the fanfare around Ertz' goodbye.
Williams scored two of the three goals in the USWNT's 3-0 win over South Africa, offering the attacking spark that the U.S. needed so badly at the World Cup. Both goals, as unlikely as it may seem, came via set pieces, with Williams the surprising goalscorer on both.
Trinity Rodman's goal, though, was a display of the threat that the U.S. so desperately lacked Down Under. It was a lovely attacking move, one capped by a pass from Alex Morgan to Rodman for a simple finish.
In the first game of the post-Vlatko Andonovski era, the U.S. put out a lineup not unlike the one we saw at the World Cup. What that team lacked in the attacking end a few months back seems behind them, though, as this USWNT played the way that many expected them to this summer.
GOAL rates USWNT players from TQL Stadium…
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Alyssa Naeher (6/10):
Had just about nothing to do for the bulk of this game. Could this have been a good one to get a look at one of the other goalkeepers?
Crystal Dunn (7/10):
A solid game at fullback/wingback. When the lineup came out, there was hope she'd be in midfield. No luck, though, as she exited after 45.
Naomi Girma (8/10):
How many better defenders are there in the world today? Had to get back and stop a few South Africa attacks, but she did so effortlessly every time.
Alana Cook (7/10):
Totally solid, which only makes it more puzzling as to why we didn't see her more at the World Cup.
Emily Fox (6/10):
Helped keep South Africa quiet on that right-hand side. Nothing crazy, but a good performance overall.
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Emily Sonnett (7/10):
Was a secret weapon in that last World Cup game and she looked good again in a midfield role here. Ran plenty and helped the U.S. in possession.
Lindsey Horan (8/10):
Involved in all three goals and was fantastic on set pieces. About as good of a performance as you can expect from a midfielder.
Julie Ertz (6/10):
Was given her start, but it didn't last long before she was taken out to a standing ovation. Came oh so close to getting a goal from a corner kick, but it just wasn't quite to be.
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Trinity Rodman (7/10):
Fantastic run and and great finish on a sequence that would have been very, very welcome at the World Cup. Should be a good one for her confidence after some ups and downs Down Under.
Alex Morgan (7/10):
No goal, which isn't ideal given her World Cup drought but, an overall good performance from the USWNT striker. Fantastic pass on Rodman's goal, a good display of what she can do in her role.
Lynn Williams (9/10):
Could the U.S. have used Williams in the XI at the World Cup? On this evidence, it sure looks like it! Williams was absolutely fantastic and, for a team that saw their attack sputter Down Under, that will be even more frustrating given her lack of minutes.
GettySubs & Manager
Mary Alice Vignola (7/10):
A very good first impression for the hometown defender, who did enough to show she can play at this level.
Ashley Sanchez (6/10):
Stop me if you heard this before: Could we have seen more of her at the World Cup?
Ashley Hatch (6/10):
Got her chance after missing the World Cup, and looked okay, but it'll be tough to hold off some of the young forward options behind her.
Casey Krueger (N/A):
Came on a bit too late to make an impact, replacing Fox at right back.
Alyssa Thompson (N/A):
Got a 15 minute cameo in place of Rodman as she looks to find more USWNT experience.
Twila Kilgore (7/10):
Did exactly what you want from an interim manager: made minor changes that produced big results. The next manager can reinvent the wheel, but it's Kilgore's job to make sure that it keeps moving.