Naomi Girma scores first USWNT goals in win over Argentina
Naomi Girma scored her first two international goals, leading the United States women to a 3-0 victory over Argentina on Wednesday night in Louisville, Kentucky.
The other USWNT tally was an own goal by Argentina's Aldana Cometti.
The victory kept the USWNT unbeaten (12-0-1) in 13 matches under coach Emma Hayes after a pair of wins against Iceland in the team's previous matches in the October international window.
United States goalkeeper Mandy Haught made one save while posting a shutout in her first international appearance. Haught was called up to the squad after Jane Campbell sustained a muscle injury.
Three newcomers in all started including Haught, Eva Gaetino and Alyssa Malonson. It was the first time in 23 years that three or more players have started in their debuts for the national team.Argentina dropped to 0-6-0 all-time against the USWNT, having been outscored 35-1.
The USWNT had an 18-4 edge in shots and put six on target to Argentina's one.
Wednesday marked Girma's 42nd career international appearance. She is highly regarded for her defense and appeared to be stunned when she scored for the first time.
That goal came in the 37th minute. Argentina goalkeeper Solana Pereyra and Cometti both went after a ball close to the net and neither was able to clear it. It bounded over to Girma, who headed it into a gaping goal.
Seven minutes later, Rose Lavelle took a corner kick and Girma attempted a header. The ball went toward Cometti, who knocked the ball into her own net with her leg to give the United States a 2-0 lead.
"It was kind of our victory tour, so [we got] three solid wins and a lot of celebration and proud moments for individuals," defender Emily Fox said.
Girma was at it again early in the second half. Malonson delivered a pass to Girma, who sent a header into the upper right corner of the net in the 49th minute to make it a three-goal margin.
In the 82th minute, Jaedyn Shaw had a chance for the USWNT, but sent a right-footed free kick over the net.
Haught's lone save came in the fourth minute when Argentina's Vanina Preininger put a very long shot on goal.
Eva Gaetino and Malonson joined Haught in making their first appearances for the United States.
Pereyra had four saves for Argentina.
The U.S. will close out the year with a pair of matches in Europe. They play England at Wembley on Nov. 30 before facing the Netherlands in The Hague on Dec. 3.
Information from Reuters and The Associated Press was used in this recap.
