USWNT player ratings: Girma a perfect 10 in Argentina win

The United States women’s national team capped a busy period in Louisville on Wednesday, beating Argentina 3-0 thanks to a brace from Naomi Girma and an own goal from Albiceleste defender Aldana Cometti.

While the win marks the USWNT’s third straight friendly with three goals – ending the window with nine in total – Emma Hayes’ side kept their first clean sheet in the window with Amanda Haught in the net, after conceding two goals in their two friendlies against Iceland.

With the final weekend of NWSL action looming this weekend, American manager Hayes utilized wide player rotations, providing rest to the team’s starting starters and providing key experience to several emerging talents.

Wednesday’s starting XI featured three international debuts, as well as two players making their first USWNT start. Jaedyn Shaw was the only player left in the XI as of Sunday.

Manager rating (scale of 1-10)

Emma Hayes, 8 — Hayes, who won the Ballon d’Or for Women’s Coach of the Year on Monday, fielded a widely varying lineup in Louisville. The England boss gets top marks for looking for new players, and for focusing on practicing playing patterns as she builds this program for the future.

USWNT Player Ratings (0-10; 10 = best; 5 = average)

GK Amanda Haught, 8 — It was a well-deserved debut for 25-year-old Utah Royals goalie Haught, even though she didn’t have much to do. She completed eight passes and clocked a save in the first half.

D.F Alyssa Malonson8 — The Bay FC left back was one of three players to make her international debut against Argentina. She did well and assisted Girma’s attack in the second half.

DF Naomi Girma, 10 — Girma is currently one of the best players in the world and was the star of the evening in Louisville. The centre-back headed in her first international goal in the 37th minute, before forcing Argentina’s own goal to make it 2-0 in the 44th minute. The 24-year-old then headed in a second goal in the 49th minute.

D.F Eva Gaetino7 — The Paris Saint-Germain defender was the third player to make her debut in Louisville on Wednesday. It was the first time in 23 years that three or more USWNT players made their debut together. Gaetino was solid alongside Girma, winning a few key duels and providing reliable passing from the backline.

D.F Hailie Mace7 — Mace performed well at right back as she returned to the USWNT’s starting XI, earning her third career start but her first in two years. Mace won most (8/10) of her duels and also made some important tackles.

M.F Hal Hershfelt8 — Hershfelt got her first start after her Austin debut on Wednesday, and did well in the single pivot while running the full 90.

M.F Rose Lavelle9 — Lavelle captained her third USWNT match and was honored for reaching 100 caps over the summer. The Gotham FC star was typically agile in midfield and did an excellent job on set-piece duty, setting up a pair of dangerous free-kicks before sending in the ball that led to Girma’s first goal.

M.F Lindsey Horan8 — Horan made some crisp passes as she floated around in an attempt to break through Argentina’s low block.

F.W Emma Sears7 — Sears provided big bursts of energy and pace on the right wing, beating defenders off the dribble and firing multiple balls into the box. The Racing Louisville rookie capped off an impressive first USWNT stint with another strong performance on home turf.

F.W. Jaedyn Shaw, 8 — Shaw looked dangerous almost every time she touched the ball while once again operating as a No. 9 for the USWNT. She had some nice passes that could have been assists if the opportunity had passed.

F.W Ashley Sanchez7 — Playing wide on the left, Sánchez was not deployed in her usual position but did well in her role, firing a few shots that forced saves from the Argentine keeper.

Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes will not be rated)

M.F Korbin Albert7 — Albert replaced Lavelle just after half-time and was busy in midfield.

D.F Emily Fox7 — The Arsenal right-back replaced Mace in the 61st minute.

F.W Mallory Swanson7 — Swanson replaced Horan in the 61st minute.

D.F Casey Krueger7 — Krueger replaced Malonson at left back in the 70th minute and provided additional veteran presence in the final minutes as the team grabbed the first clean sheet of the window.

D.F Emily Sams7 — The Orlando Pride defender came on for Gaetino in the 70th minute and put in a solid 20 minutes to close out the match.