Auckland, New Zealand – Rose Lavelle scored twice as the US Women’s National Team beat New Zealand 5-0 in Saturday’s exhibition.
Ashley Hatch, Mallory Swanson and Taylor Kornick also scored for the United States at Eden Park in Auckland. It was the second of two matches between the two teams preparing for this summer’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
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Swanson scored twice in the USA’s 4-0 win on Wednesday in Wellington. Former Mallory Pugh assumed the last name of Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson when the couple married in December.
The games against New Zealand culminated in the US team’s January training camp. The trip was strategic for the Americans, who will play all of their World Cup group stage matches in New Zealand.
The declared crowd of 12,721 was the largest ever for a New Zealand women’s match. Alex Morgan was a late scratch due to tight lower leg. She was replaced in the starting line-up by Hatch, who scored her fifth international goal in the 22nd minute. Trinity Rodman got the assist.
Lavelle, who was wearing the captain’s armband, scored in the 39th minute. Swanson added a rebound in the 53rd minute before Lavelle’s second goal in the 74th minute. Kornic scored the final goal with a header.
The two teams have met 21 times in total, and the USA dominated the series 19-1-1.
The United States was without 2022 player of the year Sophia Smith due to a foot injury. Megan Rapinoe also did not travel with the team due to an ankle injury.
Lindsey Horan, who played in the first match against New Zealand, has returned to France to play for her club Lyon.
The Americans had an uncharacteristically shaky finish in 2022, losing in three of four games. The team returns home for the Shebelieves Cup next month. Canada, Brazil and Japan also participate in the tournament.
The World Cup kicks off on July 20. The title match will take place on August 20 in Sydney. The United States has won two consecutive World Cups and will be competing for a third straight title.
