U.S. U23 WNT Defeats France 2-0

by Travis Clark

February 17, 2023

Playing the first of two friendlies against their French counterparts, the U.S. Under-23 WNT opened up with a 2-0 win on Friday.

Training at Clairetontaine, a roster blended of college talent and young pros put together a strong performance to emerge with the win. Mia Fishel setup Alyssa Thompson for the game’s opening goal, while Michelle Cooper added a second with 10 minutes to go.

A 14th minute goal kickstarted the scoring. Former UCLA standout Fishel played a delightful through ball to Thompson, and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted home the game’s opener.

The U.S. was able to carve out numerous chances to extend the lead, while also dealing with the French pressure. In the second half alone, Michelle Cooper hit the crossbar and the French goalkeeper also made a handful of impressive saves to keep it a one goal lead.

Cooper nearly setup Gaetino again in the 80th minute with a bursting run down the right, but the Notre Dame defender shot wide. One minute later, Cooper setup Byars by forcing a turnover high up the field, though the Texas striker was unable to hit the target with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Under a minute later, the duo were at it again, and this time Cooper cashed in. Byars turned provider this time, running into a slipped ball in behind the French back line. She held a defender off with her back to goal and played it back to Cooper, who fired home with her left foot from just outside the box.

All 20 players called up for the trip ended up seeing the field, as the U.S. secured a 2-0 victory.

U.S. Lineup: Lauren Kozal (Hensley Hancuff); Kate Wiesner (Megan Bornkamp), Lauren Flynn (Eva Gaetino), Lilly Reale, Elaine Rouse; Korbin Albert (Alexis Missimo), Brianna Pinto (Alexis Theoret), Hannah Bebar (Lia Godfrey); Mia Fishel (Trinity Byars), Alexa Spaanstra (Taylor Huff), Alyssa Thompson (Michelle Cooper)