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Lynn Williams and Lindsay Horan scored minutes apart in the second half as the USA Women beat Iceland 3-1 on Sunday in a friendly match at Giudice Park in Nashville.
Forward Emma Sears made her debut for the United States as a second-half substitute and scored in stoppage time. She also had an assist, becoming the first player to score a goal and an assist in her first match for the national team.
He added, “We do not want to lose, we do not like to lose. The American mentality is that we will achieve it, we will fight, we will fight, we will return.” Williams said. “So yes we were behind, but I believe in our ability, we all believe in ourselves, and that’s what it takes to win.”
The United States also beat Iceland 3-1 on Thursday in Austin in the first of three home games. The Americans will play Argentina on Wednesday in Louisville, Kentucky.
These matches are the first for the United States since the team won the gold medal in the Paris Olympics last summer.
Karólína Lea Vilhjálmsdóttir scored from a corner kick to give Iceland the lead in the 31st minute. American goalkeeper Casey Murphy jumped to put the ball on her fingertips, but it went past it and it bounced into the goal after hitting the far post.
It was the first time the USA had trailed in 12 games under coach Emma Hayes.
The Americans had a good chance in the 62nd minute, but Iceland goalkeeper Cecilia Ran Runarsdottir jumped to keep out Horan’s free kick. But Williams went ahead in the 72nd minute to tie the game before Horan scored 3:45 later.
“It’s honestly hard to find the words right now,” Sears said of her goal-scoring goal. “It’s a very surreal feeling to not only be surrounded by these amazing people but also players who I have looked up to for many years. I am very honored to be invited to this camp and to learn and grow in this environment.”
The United States recognized defender Kelly O’Hara at the halftime ceremony. O’Hara announced earlier this year her retirement. Her final professional season with Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League ended this year due to injury.
The team also honored Mallory Swanson before the game for her 100th appearance for the United States. Her husband, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, was in attendance at the ceremony.
Swanson’s 100th game was the gold medal game against Brazil at the Olympics. Swanson scored the only goal in the 1-0 win.
Among those absent from the US squad for the three matches were Trinity Rodman, who was recovering from a back injury, and Crystal Dunn, who was absent due to a personal commitment.
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.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this summary.
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