Sophia Smith expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming phase with the United States national team after a tumultuous period of emotions following their early exit from the World Cup last year. The 23-year-old forward, who showcased her talent in the tournament held in Australia and New Zealand, made a significant impact by scoring twice and providing an assist in the U.S.'s opening victory against Vietnam.
However, the journey for the four-time World Cup champions was cut short as they were eliminated in a penalty shootout against Sweden in the round of 16, with Smith being one of the players who missed their spot-kicks. Reflecting on her experience, Smith highlighted the importance of her late penalty goal in the Gold Cup semifinal against Canada, a competition that the U.S. eventually won.
Smith emphasized the emotional rollercoaster she had been on since the World Cup, stating that scoring in crucial moments meant a lot to her as a goal-scorer. She acknowledged the challenges of stepping up for a penalty kick after a previous miss but expressed her confidence and satisfaction in contributing to the team's progress.
The Gold Cup victory, sealed with a 1-0 win over Brazil in the final, has provided a positive outlook for the USWNT as they prepare for the upcoming Olympics under the guidance of incoming manager Emma Hayes. Smith highlighted the team's growth during the tournament, emphasizing the lessons learned and the unity forged among the players.
Looking ahead, Smith emphasized the importance of moving forward and focusing on the future, particularly with the Olympics on the horizon. She acknowledged the past experiences, including the World Cup exit, as valuable lessons that have contributed to the team's development and resilience.
