USA 6-0 New Zealand (Oct 29, 2025) Game Analysis

The United States women's soccer team secured a dominant 6-0 victory over New Zealand in a friendly match held in Kansas City, Missouri, with Emma Sears scoring a hat trick, the first by a U.S. woman since Sophia Wilson in April 2022.

Emma Sears netted all three of her goals from close range, contributing one in the first half and two in the second, as the U.S. controlled the game against FIFA's 33rd-ranked team. Catarina Macario and Rose Lavelle also scored in the first half, with Lavelle's goal being a notable long-range volley from 20 yards out, while Michelle Cooper provided two assists.

U.S. coach Emma Hayes continued her strategy of rotating the starting lineup, similar to previous friendlies against Portugal. After the match, Hayes praised captain Rose Lavelle, describing her as one of the best players she has coached and highlighting her technical skills and ability to break down defenses.

Defender Kennedy Wesley made her debut, becoming the 25th player to earn her first cap under Hayes, with the starting backline having limited prior appearances for the national team. The game took place at CPKC stadium, the world's first purpose-built women's soccer stadium, which is home to the NWSL's Kansas City Current, where Michelle Cooper plays. Before the match, New Zealand honored former captain Ali Riley, who retired after 163 appearances for the team.

The U.S. competed without several star players due to injuries and maternity leave, including Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, and Mallory Swanson. Despite a recent 2-1 loss to Portugal in the October window, the team rebounded with this win, maintaining a strong historical record against New Zealand and improving their performance in friendly matches.