Cat Macario scores twice, US women beat Italy 3-0 in first of two friendlies

The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Italy in a friendly match at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Cat Macario was the standout performer of the night, bagging two goals to lead her team to victory.

The match marked the first of two friendlies between the two teams, with the second encounter set to take place on December 1 in Fort Lauderdale. Olivia Moultrie also got her name on the scoresheet, while goalkeeper Claudia Dickey put in a solid performance to earn a clean sheet in just her fifth appearance at the senior level.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, USWNT veteran Rose Lavelle, who earned her 116th cap, praised the squad’s strong start and adherence to their principles. The United States wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Moultrie opening the scoring early on after a well-worked team move involving Lavelle and Alyssa Thompson.

Despite an offside call denying Moultrie a second goal, Macario stepped up in the 64th minute to extend the lead with a clinical finish. The talented forward wasn’t done yet, adding her second goal of the night in the 76th minute after a pinpoint pass from 18-year-old Lily Yohannes.

Macario’s impressive performance further solidified her place as a key player for the USWNT, with 15 goals in 28 international appearances. The young star expressed her delight at being part of the team and credited coach Emma Hayes for understanding her strengths and helping her find consistency on the field.

Overall, it was a dominant display from the United States, showcasing their depth of talent and teamwork. The team will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming matches as they continue their preparations for future competitions.

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