Macário Double Leads USA to 3-0 Victory Over Italy

ORLANDO, Fla. — Catarina Macário scored twice in the second half as the United States women's national team defeated Italy 3-0 Saturday evening at Inter&Co Stadium in the first of two international friendlies between the nations.

Olivia Moultrie opened the scoring in the second minute, and the Americans controlled possession throughout, finishing with 68.6% of the ball and an 18-7 advantage in shots.

Rose Lavelle, fresh off winning the NWSL Championship with NJ/NY Gotham FC, threaded a pass through Italy's defense in the second minute. Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC) slotted home a left-footed shot from the center of the box to give the United States an early 1-0 lead. The 19-year-old midfielder from Wilsonville, Oregon, showed composure in her finish past Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani.

The United States controlled the opening 45 minutes, registering seven corners to Italy's one. Emily Fox (Arsenal FC) anchored the left side of defense while contributing to the attack from her fullback position. The 26-year-old from Ashburn, Virginia, frequently overlapped to create width and support the American forwards.

Catarina Macário, the 25-year-old San Diego native who plays for Chelsea, was active throughout the first half. The 5-foot-5 midfielder created several dangerous moments with her movement and combination play. Claire Hutton forced a save from Giuliani in the 20th minute, while Alyssa Thompson's 21st-minute effort sailed wide after good buildup involving Lavelle. 

Italy attempted to build from the back with patient possession play, but struggled to create clear chances against the American defense. Michela Cambiaghi and Manuela Giugliano linked well at times in midfield, but the Azzurre couldn't establish consistent pressure. Italy managed just 31.4% of the ball in the opening half, and their best defensive work came from Giuliani, who made several saves to keep her team within striking distance at halftime.

Italy's best chance came in the 54th minute when Cambiaghi's shot from inside the box was saved by U.S. goalkeeper Claudia Dickey. Ten minutes later, the United States doubled their lead when Sam Coffey played a through ball that split the Italian defense, finding Macário in space. The Chelsea midfielder controlled with her first touch and finished with her left foot to the bottom right corner in the 64th minute, making it 2-0.

In the 70th minute, U.S. coach Emma Hayes brought on Lily Yohannes and Jaedyn Shaw to manage playing time and evaluate different lineup combinations. Yohannes, a 17-year-old midfielder from Springfield, Virginia, who plays for OL Lyonnes in France, made an immediate impact.

Just six minutes after entering, Yohannes assisted on Macário's second goal. The teenager played a through ball down the right channel that beat Italy's defensive line. Macário cut inside from the right side of the box and finished with her right foot to the bottom left corner in the 76th minute, completing her brace and sealing the 3-0 victory.

Hayes made additional substitutions in the 78th minute, bringing on Jameese Joseph for Macário and Emily Sams for Naomi Girma. The crowd responded enthusiastically when Sams entered, with Orlando Pride fans chanting her name. The changes allowed the coach to rest key players while maintaining control of the match. Italy's Valentina Bergamaschi received a yellow card in the 89th minute for a foul on Thompson.

The United States finished with an 18-7 advantage in total shots and a 7-1 edge in corners. Dickey faced just two shots on target, making comfortable saves on both occasions. Italy's Giuliani was far busier, making multiple saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Girma and Emily Sonnett anchored a solid American defensive performance that limited Italy's attacking opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.

Macário led the United States with two goals and was dangerous throughout the match. Lavelle's assist on the opening goal and her creative play in midfield set the tone early. Yohannes made an immediate impact off the bench, assisting Macário's second goal just six minutes after entering. Fox was solid defensively while contributing to the attack from her fullback position. Moultrie's early goal gave the Americans confidence and put Italy on their heels from the start.

The two teams will meet again Sunday in Fort Lauderdale for the second match of the series. Hayes will likely rotate her lineup to give more players opportunities, while Italy will look to make tactical adjustments after the defeat.

Sunday's rematch kicks off at 4 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale.