Claire Hutton marked her first international goal, joining Sam Coffey and Yazmeen Ryan in leading the United States to a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada in a friendly match on Wednesday night. The win extends the U.S. women’s soccer team’s streak to five consecutive shutout victories, with an impressive 18-0 aggregate score since their last defeat to Brazil in April.
Hutton, a 19-year-old rising star in her sixth appearance for the national team, headed in a corner kick from Rose Lavelle in the 36th minute to secure a 2-0 lead. The scoring opened in the 17th minute when Lavelle’s free kick caused chaos in Canada’s penalty area. After a failed clearance by Canada’s Janine Sonis, the ball fell to Avery Patterson, who set up Coffey for a close-range finish, credited as the first goal with Patterson earning the assist.
Ryan sealed the victory in the 89th minute, with an assist from local favorite Tara McKeown, who plays for the Washington Spirit and entered as a late substitute to a roaring crowd. The match, the third in seven days for the U.S., saw coach Emma Hayes overhaul the lineup with 10 changes from their previous 4-0 win over Ireland. Lynn Biyendolo, the only player to start both Ireland games, nearly scored early but was denied by Canada’s goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.
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The U.S. dominated chances, with goalkeeper Claudia Dickey, fresh off a shutout in her debut against Ireland, thwarting a close-range effort from Canada’s Jordyn Huitema. Lavelle, pivotal in both set-piece goals, received a standing ovation when substituted in the second half.
The Americans now look ahead to friendlies against South Korea on September 6 in Harrison, New Jersey, and Japan on September 9 in Columbus, Ohio, as they continue to build momentum under Hayes’ leadership.
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