Olivia Moultrie brace powers US women’s national team to a 3-1 victory over Portugal

The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) bounced back from a historic defeat to claim a 3-1 victory over Portugal in their international football match on Sunday (26 October).

The five-time Olympic champions suffered their first-ever defeat against the same Portuguese side, losing 2-1 earlier in the week.

The match got off to a frenetic start with three goals being scored in the first 10 minutes, with the USWNT leading the charge.

Olivia Moultrie set the early pace with an opening goal inside the first minute with a well-weighted strike into the left-hand corner of the box.

The US celebrations were soon tempered when Jessica Silva headed a cross-kick into the back of the net for the equaliser five minutes into the contest.

The 20-year-old Moultrie’s class was on full display as she added her brace just short of the 10-minute mark to reclaim the lead. A cheeky back heel pass from Jaedyn Shaw set up the goal, with Moultrie sending the ball into the back of the net with her trusty left foot.

The rest of the first half was devoid of the drama of the opening 10 minutes, with the USWNT going into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

The home side threatened to add to their lead in the second half but could not find the breakthrough until the dying minutes of the match.

Midfielder Sam Coffey finally converted the sustained pressure into a goal in the 82nd minute, slotting an Ally Sentnor corner kick into the box.

The USWNT will next face New Zealand in Kansas City on Thursday (30 October).

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