Alyssa Thompson scores first USWNT goal in win over Iceland

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Alyssa Thompson scored her first goal for the U.S. women's national team and Jaedyn Shaw and Sophia Smith scored late Thursday at Q2 Stadium as the Americans defeated Iceland in their first game since winning their fifth Olympic gold medal defeated 3-1 in August.

In the 39th minute, Thompson broke the deadlock by cutting inside, placing the ball on her right foot and firing a shot off the underside of the crossbar near the far corner.

“When I came on the field and wore that jersey at the beginning, I thought, 'This is surreal,'” Thompson said at halftime. “I just can't describe how I feel. I’m so happy.”

Thursday's game marked the start of the USWNT's winning streak since the Paris Games. The Americans play again on Sunday against Iceland in Nashville, Tennessee, and against Argentina on Wednesday in Louisville, Kentucky.

Iceland equalized early in the second half when Selma Magnusdottir scored with a low left-footed shot from just outside the penalty area after evading three USWNT midfielders.

The visitors, ranked 13th in the world, were organized defensively and outscored the USWNT in the first half despite only having about a third of possession.

But the USWNT came out on top in the second half with key contributions from the bench. Shaw, playing her first game since July after missing a minute of the Olympics due to a lower-body injury, slipped behind the Iceland defense in the 85th minute and slotted the ball between goalkeeper Telma Ívarsdóttir's legs to score to score the lead.

Shaw came into the game in the 67th minute, taking over the number 10 role from captain Lindsey Horan. Three minutes after Shaw's goal, Smith scored a volley from just outside the box. The Portland Thorns star has been battling an ankle injury that recently caused her to miss a month of the NWSL season. She came into Thursday's game in the 72nd minute.

USWNT head coach Emma Hayes said earlier this week that her team's goal in this international window was twofold: a reflection on the Olympics and a turning of the page toward the team's next phase.

“The rest of this year will be a big celebration of this tour win for the players while also recognizing the achievements of those who have done really well in the NWSL,” Hayes said.

This happened on Thursday with a familiar starting lineup followed by returns and debuts.

Thompson made her first appearance for the USWNT in 10 months after competing in the 2023 World Cup as an 18-year-old. On Thursday, she was the only member of the USWNT starting lineup not on the Olympic squad.

Forward Yazmeen Ryan and midfielder Hal Hershfelt made their USWNT debuts off the bench in the second half. Emily Sonnett started as a central defender and reached her 100th international match. She became the 45th player in program history to reach the century mark.