U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Triumphs Over Italy

Cat Macario scored twice as the United States secured a 3-0 victory against Italy in a friendly match at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday night.

This match marks the first of two planned friendlies between the two teams, with a return fixture scheduled for December 1st in Fort Lauderdale.

Olivia Moultrie also found the net, while goalkeeper Claudia Dickie achieved a shutout in her fifth game at the senior level.

“We wanted to continue building from our last performance, focus on our principles, and I think we managed that,” said veteran Rose Lavelle, earning her 116th cap. “Overall, the team played really well.”

The U.S. wasted no time, scoring against Italian keeper Laura Giuliani within the first couple of minutes.

Lilly Real, fresh off winning the NWSL title with Gotham, connected with LaBelle to initiate the play. LaBelle drove wide, and Alyssa Thompson quickly redirected the ball back to Lovell, who assisted Moultrie for the opening goal at the far post.

“We discussed the need to start fast and strong, and I think we executed that,” said Moultrie. “Training went really well this week, and that solid performance reflected in the game’s early minutes.”

However, in the 48th minute, Lavelle was ruled offside, nullifying Moultrie’s second goal.

Later, in the 64th minute, Sam Coffey dribbled centrally, setting up Macario, who blasted a shot into the goal, extending the U.S. lead.

Macario then netted her second goal in the 76th minute after receiving a pass from Lily Johannes, the youngest player on the team, delivering a shot from the top right of the box into the far corner.

This performance marked Macario’s 15th goal in her 28 international appearances, contributing to an impressive 18 goals in her last 14 matches for the U.S.

“It was a fantastic win. I always enjoy being part of this team,” said Macario, who has accumulated 12 goals and six assists since February 2022. “I feel excited to be in this environment; it really helps me grow into my best self,” she added.

Macario also expressed her gratitude towards U.S. coach Emma Hayes for understanding her contributions. “It’s been a good year… I’m just trying to find that consistency and my rhythm,” she noted.