Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals to lead the United States to a 3-0 win over Argentina on Wednesday night in the team’s final match of the year on American soil.
It was the third match in six days for the United States, which also won its first two matches against Iceland. These games were the first for the United States since the team won the gold medal in the Paris Olympics last summer.
Defender Girma scored with a header in the 37th minute, then raised her arms and smiled while American coach Emma Hayes applauded her. Girma played every minute of the Olympic tournament in France.
“The ball fell right in front of me, it was pretty amazing,” Girma said. “I was like, ‘I don’t think I can miss this.’ It landed right on my head.”
Girma played a role in scoring an own goal that put the United States up 2-0 before halftime. She got her header from a Rose Lavelle corner kick and the ball was deflected into the goal by Argentine Aldana Cometti.
Girma made it 3-0 with another header in the 49th minute. She then ran to the sidelines and hugged former Stanford teammate Sophia Smith on the bench.
“I feel like any time anyone scores their first goal, it’s always fun and the whole team gets excited,” Girma said. “So it was fun to get mine tonight.”
Hayes shook up the lineup against Argentina at Lane Family Stadium in Louisville, resting players for the final games of the National Women’s Soccer League regular season this weekend with playoff spots and seedings still on the line.
Three newcomers started: goalkeeper Mandy Hott, Eva Gaiteno and Alyssa Malunson. This was the first time in 23 years that three or more players made their debut for the national team.
Lavelle, who was named captain of the match, was previously honored for playing 100 times for the national team. I reached this milestone in June.
“It was kind of our victory lap, so (we got) three solid wins and a lot of celebrations and proud moments for individuals,” defender Emily Fox said.
The United States will conclude the year with two matches in Europe. The team will play England at Wembley Stadium on November 30 before facing the Netherlands in The Hague on December 3.
“We are obviously excited to head to Europe and face two great opponents,” Girma said. “I think now it’s about turning the page on this celebration and really looking forward to 2027, and trying to make sure we start developing things now.”
