Catarina Macario showcased her striking talent with two goals leading the United States to a commanding 3-0 victory over Italy in a friendly match held at Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium on Friday night. This matchup marked the first of two friendlies, with the teams set to face each other again on Monday in Fort Lauderdale.
In addition to Macario’s brilliance, Olivia Moultrie also contributed to the scoreboard while Claudia Dickey, the goalkeeper, secured a shutout in just her fifth senior-level appearance. “We wanted to keep building on the performances from our last camp, emphasizing a strong start and commitment to our principles, which I believe we achieved,” said U.S. veteran Rose Lavelle, who earned her 116th cap in the match.
Head coach Emma Hayes echoed Lavelle’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of both the result and the clean sheet. “Starting fast is one thing, but we’ve often started quickly and conceded just as fast. A clean sheet is significant to us tonight,” she remarked. Hayes also noted that while the team showed great potential, there are still areas that require improvement.
The United States came out aggressive, scoring within the first two minutes. Lilly Reale, fresh from winning the Women’s Super League title with Gotham, initiated the play by passing to Lavelle, who quickly connected with Alyssa Thompson. Moultrie then found the net, marking her second goal in just as many appearances.
“We talked about starting fast and strong, and I think the momentum carried throughout the match,” Moultrie remarked following the game. An offside call later denied Lavelle the chance to add to the scoreboard early in the second half.
In the 64th minute, Sam Coffey made a run through the center and found Macario, who skillfully placed the ball in the back of the net to extend the lead. Macario added another goal in the 76th minute, capitalizing on a setup from 18-year-old Lily Yohannes. With this performance, Macario now boasts an impressive tally of 15 goals in 28 international appearances, having been involved in 18 goals in her last 14 U.S. games.
“It was a great win, and it’s always a pleasure to be with this team,” expressed Macario, who has recorded 12 goals and six assists since February 2022. Reflecting on her recent efforts, she noted her aim for consistency and rhythm in her play.
For Coach Hayes, these friendlies serve as an opportunity to explore various player combinations and enhance team dynamics. “We are building towards something bigger, and it’s essential to give players the experiences they need for future competitions, including 2027 and beyond,” she explained. “Our immediate focus, however, is qualifying for the World Cup.”
As the year draws to a close, Hayes emphasized the need for urgency, stating that every minute of preparation is crucial as the team gears up for qualification matches, as well as other opportunities to prepare for future competitions. The U.S. women’s national team is actively laying the groundwork for a successful future while refining their competitive edge.