Claire Hutton was already living a dream just by suiting up for the US Women’s National Team. But when Canada gave her a little too much room near the six-yard box, and Rose Lavelle delivered a pinpoint corner kick, the 19-year-old midfielder seized her moment.
Hutton rose up and headed in her first international goal, helping the United States cruise to a dominant 3-0 victory over Canada in Wednesday’s friendly match — the team’s fifth consecutive win. Sam Coffey and Yazmeen Ryan also found the back of the net in what turned into a statement performance.
“Set pieces are something we prioritize and drill constantly,” Hutton said after the match. “At this level, they can make or break you in big tournaments. Getting my head on Rose’s perfect delivery was unreal. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.”
Since suffering a 2-1 loss to Brazil in April, the USWNT has bounced back in style, rattling off five straight friendly wins with an 18-0 combined scoreline. Hutton, making only her sixth appearance for the national team, delivered her milestone goal in the 36th minute, extending the lead to 2-0.
“Wearing this jersey, this badge — it carries weight,” said Hutton, who plays club soccer with Kansas City Current. “We spent this past week reflecting on the legacy of this team. Just being a part of it… it’s everything.”
US head coach Emma Hayes, who’s been rotating her squad during a busy three-game stretch in seven days, gave some of her Europe-based players a breather. That opened the door for rising talents like Hutton to shine.
“I’ve said it before — I want to grow the entire ecosystem,” Hayes explained. “The more chances players get at the international level, the more competitive and exciting the NWSL becomes. It shows that if you perform, you’ll be seen.”
The US opened the scoring in the 17th minute, when Lavelle whipped in a dangerous free kick from the left. Canada’s Janine Sonis tried to clear, but the ball ricocheted off Avery Patterson, then landed near Coffey, who smashed it home. Although both players made contact, Coffey was credited with the goal and Patterson with the assist.
“I’ll give her the full glory — I didn’t touch it!” Patterson joked. “I just set it up on a platter.”
Goalkeeper Claudia Dickey, fresh off a clean sheet against Ireland in her international debut, came up big again — denying a close-range shot from Jordyn Huitema shortly after Coffey’s goal. But overall, the Americans dominated the chances and controlled the game.
On the other side, Canada’s coach Casey Stoney didn’t sugarcoat her disappointment.
“It was an inexcusable performance,” said Stoney. “Our fitness was lacking, our intensity wasn’t there. We lost every 50-50, didn’t press, didn’t commit — that’s not who we are. And I won’t pretend otherwise.”
Rose Lavelle, who was electric all night, received a standing ovation as she exited in the second half. The home crowd also erupted when Tara McKeown, a local favorite from the Washington Spirit, entered as a late sub — and she didn’t disappoint. McKeown set up Ryan’s goal in the 89th minute, capping off a dominant display from the red, white, and blue.
Description:
"Claire Hutton scores her first international goal as the USWNT crushes Canada 3-0 in a thrilling friendly match. With key contributions from Sam Coffey, Yazmeen Ryan, and a flawless assist from Rose Lavelle, the Americans extend their winning streak to five while showcasing the depth and rising stars of their squad."