The U.S. women's national team is on the board in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Less than 15 minutes into Friday night's opener against Vietnam, Alex Morgan and Sophia Smith combined for a highlight-reel score.
WATCH ANYTIME FOR FREE
 |
Stream NBC10 Boston news for free, 24/7, wherever you are. |
Morgan fought off a defender to make an impressive one-touch feed into the box for Smith, who beat the goalkeeper with a left-footed strike. The 14th-minute score gave the Americans a 1-0 lead at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
It was the first World Cup goal for the 22-year-old Smith, who was making her World Cup debut, and she didn't have to wait long for her second.
Get updates on what's happening in Boston to your inbox. Sign up for our News Headlines newsletter.
In first-half stoppage time, Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh punched a cross right out to Smith, who sent a bouncing shot into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead before halftime.
After initially being called offside, the goal was awarded following a review.
With the first-half brace, Smith became the youngest USWNT player to score a goal in her World Cup debut, according to CBS Sports. She's also the second youngest USWNT player to net two goals in a World Cup match.
