Macario brace boosts USWNT past Italy for win

While most of the country was inhaling leftovers and doing their best to not leave their houses, United States Women’s National Team were back on the pitch for the start of another pair of friendlies. This time, it was a match against Italy in Orlando, Florida, as the team continue their road to World Cup 2027. The writer of this article didn’t even have time to finish this introduction before USWNT had found the back of the net. Just over a minute into the match, Rose Lavelle was streaking down the flank and had enough time to set up young midfielder Olivia Moultrie who was waiting, lurking in the box. The pass was pure and the finish was a one-touch strike that found its way past the keeper for the opening goal of the match.

If you, like many of us did, thought that early goal would lead to a goal fest then you, like many of us, were wrong. While the goals weren’t scored in bunches, it was still a dominant half from United States. They kept nearly 70% possession, despite only three shots in the first half they had the closest chances and importantly, the goal. One person United States need to be really thankful for, Naomi Girma. The return of the center back has been like adding a layer of Vibranium to the drywall that existed before. Italy had four shots in the half, and were breaking through for one of their most dangerous chances of the half, only to be thwarted by Girma in the final moments.

United States would take the one goal lead into the locker room at the halftime break, looking to definitely find more goals in the second half. For Italy, they were probably feeling like going into break down just a goal, considering how the match started, was a win. The second half started with United States looking like the team chasing the match form behind. Perhaps knowing the longer you keep just a one goal lead over a team like Italy, they more likely it is they break your heart and snatch a result at the end.

After spending the first 15 minutes of the second half knocking, USWNT decided to just kick the door down in the 64th minute. A perfectly weighted pass from Sam Coffey found Cat Macario in stride and behind her defender heading into the box. As cool as you like the striker slotted the ball past the keeper and into the net to double the lead for the United States.

The thing about Cat Macario is, she scores. And when she scores, she usually does it again, and gain, until she’s either brought off or the match ends. Tonight was no different. After scoring the goal to double the lead, Macario put on a banger in the 76th minute for her brace. Getting on the end of a great pass, Cat decided to shoot this one from distance, and picked out the corner with a shot that seemed to come out of nothing.

The goal marks the sixth score in seven matches for the forward, who might have gotten away with the slightest bit of offsides, but we wont talk about that part of what was a stunner. That would be the last goal scored on the night, as United States Women’s National Team put on a dominate performance in the first of what is set to be two matches against Italy this window. While United States may have liked to see more chances taken, more shots created, more goals scored, it was as dominant as it gets with USWNT in full control from kickoff. The win will provide a boost to a team that is still dealing with injury issues, while working back in a few who have returned from long-term injuries. A professional and conniving win and now it’s time to get ready for the next.

How are you feeling about USWNT’s performance tonight? Let us know in the comments below!