February 24, (THEWILL) – On Wednesday, the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) defeated Iceland 5-0 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, to win the 2022 SheBelieves Cup. The goal-scoring was led by Catarina Macario and Mallory Pugh with two apiece.
The victory means that the USWNT has now won the SheBelieves Cup for the third time in a row and for the fifth time overall, which is the most since the event began in 2016.
It was the first time the US and Iceland were meeting since a scoreless tie at the 2015 Algarve Cup. With victories over New Zealand and the Czech Republic, Iceland finished second in its first SheBelieves Cup. The United States defeated New Zealand, but had to settle for a tie against the Czech Republic.
Against Iceland, the Vlatko Andonovski-led American ladies exerted early pressure, dominating possession 61 percent to 39 percent in the first half and restricting Iceland to only two shots on goal.
The United States took a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute when Macario scored with a spectacular strike on the team’s tenth shot of the evening. Macario was not finished yet. She was able to chip in a loose ball in the box just before the first half ended for her second goal of the night.
The United States kept up the pressure in the second half, and it felt like it was only a matter of time before another goal was scored.
Precisely at the hour mark, Pugh scored, benefiting from a fantastic through pass that Ashley Sanchez assisted her with. It was Pugh’s 20th international goal.
Despite having a 3-0 advantage, the United States did not relent. A midfield press resulted in a breakaway opportunity for Pugh and Macario. Pugh scored her second goal of the night in the 75th minute after a magnificent display of selflessness on a give-and-go. After a fantastic performance, the front three of Macario, Pugh, and Sophia Smith were pulled out in the 78th minute.
Kristie Mewis capped the scoring for the US with a goal in the 88th minute. It was her fifth international goal in her blossoming professional career.
The United States’ pressing was so effective that goalkeeper Casey Murphy only had to make one stop all night. In the other goal, Sandra Siguroardottir, the Icelandic goalkeeper, needed to make seven saves to keep the score at just 5-0, as it could have been more.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
