Naomi Girma had never scored for the United States women’s national team prior to Wednesday... She went on to score twice against Argentina during a friendly and nearly had a third as she forced an own goal.
On a night meant to honor Rose Lavelle with 100 appearances for the USWNT, the Girma goals vs Argentina stole the show as the world class defender turned into a lethal No. 9 in front of goal.
The USWNT honor Rose Lavelle for hitting 100 caps earlier this year
Watch USA vs. Argentina live on TNT, truTV and Max pic.twitter.com/hK1wREKhv4— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 30, 2024
Girma has yet to score in her 50+ appearances with the San Diego Wave, but in her 42nd appearance for the national team she couldn’t stop scoring.
Naomi Girma goals vs Argentina
All three of Girma’s goal involvements came from set pieces with the first taking place in the 37th minute. A miscommunication between Argentina’s goalkeeper and a defender presented an early Halloween treat for Girma. She accepted with a headed goal.
Naomi Girma scores her first international goal
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Girma was causing more problems in the Argentine box just seven minutes later. The USWNT had a corner kick and Girma rose highest to head the ball toward the back post. Argentina’s Aldana Cometti ended up putting it into her own net. Girma was almost too bashful to celebrate.
An own goal puts USWNT up 2-0 at halftime ✌️
Watch USA vs. Argentina live on TNT, truTV and Max pic.twitter.com/npgJxjHyt8— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 31, 2024
The star USWNT defender saved her best for last in the 49th minute. Alyssa Malonson, who made her USWNT debut on Wednesday, whipped a cross into the box that Girma headed beautifully into the upper 90.
It took Naomi Girma 42 matches to score her first USWNT goal.
Her second came 12 minutes laterWatch USA vs. Argentina live on TNT, truTV and Max pic.twitter.com/jdkMwrjCAW
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 31, 2024
You would think she was a proper striker with her headed efforts Wednesday night.
Argentina hardly threatened the USA’s goal as head coach Emma Hayes, who was named the best women’s manager in the world at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday, will be thrilled with her team’s performances this month.
The USWNT outscored their opponents 9-2 in the two games vs. Iceland and Wednesday’s friendly against Argentina. The USWNT are so back.
Next month the USWNT will go overseas for two of their toughest opponents yet as they will play England at Wembley Stadium on Nov. 30 and the take on Netherlands in Hague on Dec. 3.