USWNT cruises to big win behind Sophia Smith’s highlight-reel brace

Sophia Smith got off to a quick start Thursday, scoring a brace within the first 10 minutes of the United States women’s national team’s 5-0 win over Jamaica in the second game of the Concacaf W Championship.

The star forward got on the board in the fifth minute, beating her defender one-on-one into the box before curling an outside-of-the-foot shot past keeper Rebecca Spencer for the fastest goal of the tournament thus far.

The first of the evening for @sophsssmith ☝️

pic.twitter.com/zpc4TQk8Oi

— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) July 7, 2022

Smith doubled the USWNT’s lead just three minutes later, following up on a long ball into the box for her second goal of the night.

They call @sophsssmith “The Brace Queen” 👑 …

She’s got more braces than your local orthodontist 😬

pic.twitter.com/FhfL2YRy1F

— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) July 7, 2022

Thursday’s game marked Smith’s 18th USWNT cap as she continues to solidify her spot on the team’s frontline.

The USWNT headed into halftime with a 2-0 lead over Jamaica after two goals by Ashley Hatch and Mallory Pugh were called back due to offsides.

After the break, the U.S. got back on the board in the 59th minute when Rose Lavelle got on the end of a cross from Ashley Sanchez to extend the lead to 3-0.

Rose Lavelle gets in on the scoring action for the @USWNT. 🌹 pic.twitter.com/9KithC2lFS

— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) July 8, 2022

The USWNT scored twice more in the final 10 minutes of regulation, off a penalty-kick finish by Kristie Mewis and a tap-in goal by Trinity Rodman, to close out the game 5-0.

With the win, the U.S. went up 2-0 in Group A and took another step toward qualifying for the 2023 World Cup after defeating Haiti 3-0 in Monday’s opener. The team meets host nation Mexico on Monday night in the final game before the knockout round.