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Alyssa Thompson scored the first goal for the US women, who beat Iceland 3-1 in the friendly match.
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Alyssa Thompson scored the first goal for the US women, who beat Iceland 3-1 in the friendly match.

AUSTIN, Texas – Alyssa Thompson scored her first goal for the United States, Jaedyn Shaw scored the go-ahead goal in the 85th minute and the Americans beat Iceland 3-1 in an exhibition game on Thursday night.

Sophia Smith scored for the United States in her first game since winning gold under new coach Emma Hayes at the Paris Olympics this summer.

Thompson, 19, who was left out of the Olympic squad, made his third start for the USA. She has scored five goals in her last eight games for Angel City in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Thompson sent the ball over the Iceland goal and into the top corner in the 39th minute.

“When I walked onto the field at the start and put on the jersey, I thought it was surreal,” Thompson said. “I can’t explain how I feel to be able to score my first goal. I’m so happy.”

Iceland equalized in the 56th minute with Selma Sol Magnusdottir’s goal from distance. It was the midfielder’s fifth international goal and the third goal allowed by the USA in 11 games under Hayes, who took over in May.

Shaw’s goal went through the legs of Iceland goalkeeper Telma Ivarsdottir. Smith scored from distance about three minutes later.

Smith has been away from his club, the Portland Thorns, since the Olympics with an ankle injury.

“Honestly, I had some injuries after the Olympics, but honestly the best thing I felt was going out on the field with my friends and representing this country,” Smith said. “But obviously the goal at the top makes it feel extra special.”

Shaw, who came on in the second half like Smith, went to Paris with the USA but did not play due to a muscle injury.

Shaw said of the Olympics: “It was a really tough month for me, but it was also the best month of my life and I learned a lot from it.” If not more.”

The starting lineup included six players to face Brazil in the gold medal match in Paris. Defender Emily Sonnett made her 100th national team appearance.

Yazmeen Ryan made her first appearance for the United States as a second-half substitute.

The USA and Iceland will play another friendly on Sunday in Nashville, Tennessee. The Americans will then face Argentina next Wednesday in Louisville, Kentucky.

Trinity Rodman will miss all three games while recovering from a back injury. Crystal Dunn was left out of the cast due to a personal commitment.

The USA will wrap up the year with a trip to Europe, playing England at Wembley Stadium on November 30 and the Netherlands in The Hague on December 3.

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