Alex Morgan scored her 120th international goal as the United States thrashed New Zealand 4-0 in a friendly in Wellington on Wednesday to fire a World Cup warning.
Forward Mallory Swanson netted twice and Lynn Williams was also on the scoresheet for the world’s top-ranked side, six months before the Americans defend their title in New Zealand and Australia.
The match was the first of the year for the Americans, who will be pursuing a third World Cup crown in a row.
Coach Vlatko Andonovski said he wants his team get familiarised with the stadiums, training venues and travel before the month-long global showpiece starting on July 20.
The US will play their three World Cup pool games in Wellington and Auckland and potentially return to those cities for a quarter-final and semi-final.
They spurned a host of chances in the first half but capitalised on their dominance after the interval with four goals in 20 minutes.
Swanson’s headed opener came via a cross from Trinity Rodman, the daughter of former National Basketball Association star Dennis Rodman.
Star striker Morgan doubled the lead before Swanson grabbed her second and Williams capitalised on another assist from Rodman.
The four-time world champions will play a two-match series against the 24th-ranked New Zealanders, which concludes in Auckland on Saturday.
Author
World Cup News
-
FIFA World Cup
/ 35 minutes agoDiallo gives Ivory Coast shock win over France
Amad Diallo scored a late winner as Ivory Coast stunned France 2-1 in a...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 18 hours agoWorld Cup fans barred from bringing water bottles into stadia
FIFA has banned fans from bringing refillable water bottles into World Cup venues in...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 23 hours agoAuthorities warn of World Cup ticket, merchandise scams
Fraudsters are exploiting interest in the 2026 World Cup with a barrage of scams,...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 days agoFrance’s Saliba ‘fine’ after injury scare, says Deschamps
France coach Didier Deschamps said on Wednesday that defender William Saliba is "fine" despite...
By AFP