Sophia Smith scored a pair of first-half goals and the United States women’s national team beat Nigeria 4-0 on Saturday as both teams prepare for next summer’s World Cup.
The United States has a 70-match unbeaten streak on American soil – 63 wins and seven draws.
The two teams go head-to-head again on Tuesday in Washington, DC
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Smith got past a defender and scored from inside the box 14 minutes into the match. Lindsey Horan made it 2-0 in the 26th minute with a goal that went wide of the post after Smith’s assist, who scored a second goal in extra time in the first half.
Alex Morgan took a penalty in the 52nd minute after Mallory Pugh was fouled inside the box.
Smith, who plays for the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League, leads the national team with nine goals this year.
The United States qualified for the World Cup at the CONCACAF W Championship in July. The team won the tournament championship to secure a spot at the 2024 Olympics.
The US has won the last two World Cups and has four overall titles.
Nigeria, one of the most successful women’s teams in Africa, qualified for the 2023 World Cup by advancing to the semi-finals of the Cup of African Nations in July. The Super Falcons finished fourth in the tournament.
Nigeria has advanced to every World Cup since the tournament began in 1991. Currently the team is led by Randy Waldrum, the former Houston Dash coach of the NWSL.
After Tuesday’s rematch against Nigeria, the United States will head to Europe to play England at Wembley Stadium on October 7.
