Rose Lavelle dribbles through Argentina’s defense, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
The U.S. Women’s national team brought their Olympic gold medal-winning victory tour to Lynn Family Stadium last Wednesday night. This was the first time the USWNT had been to Louisville in 20 years and they beat Argentina 3-0 in front of an enthusiastic sellout crowd of more than 13,000.
Lucky for you, the Lavender Legion’s own Emily O’Neal was there to document the game for Butchertown Rundown! We are thrilled to share some of her photos below so you can relive all the excitement of the historic visit all over again.
New starts & 100 caps
Louisville fans got some extra treats in the October 30th match.
First, Racing Louisvlle’s own Emma Sears (26) earned her first start for the U.S. after scoring a goal and an assist in her debut in Nashville three days prior. Sears is only the fourth player in U.S. women’s history to accomplish this feat and the first in over a decade since Christen Press scored twice and assisted in her debut in 2013.
The starting lineup against Argentina, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
Next, Rose Lavelle chose Louisville as the site of her 100th cap celebration due to its proximity to her hometown of Cincinnati. This, of course, meant a Wilma Jean Wrinkles appearance, complete with tiny earmuffs.
Lavelle with coach Emma Hayes, October 30th, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
Lavelle celebrates her 100th cap with her family, October3 30th, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
Lavelle celebrates her 100th cap with her family, October 30th, 2024 / Image courtesy Emliy O’Neal
Alyssa Naeher, Sophia Smith, Mal Swanson, and Lynn Williams on the bench ahead of the match against Argentina, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
The game
Lavelle dribbles through multiple defenders, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
Emma Sears, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
Ashley Sanchez makes a run for the ball, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
Naomi Girma celebrates her first-ever international goal as Emma Sears looks on, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
That first goal feeling - Girma's teammates celebrate her first goal with her, October 30th, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O'Neal
Alyssa Malonson made her debut against Argentina, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
Jaedyn Shaw (15) fights off a defender as Ashley Sanchez looks on, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
Naomi Girma, whose brace secured the win over Argentina, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
A header from Girma leads to an own goal, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O'Neal
Substitute Mal Swanson on the ball, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
Former Racing Louisville No. 1 draft pick Emily Fox (23), October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
Mal Swanson (9) and Emma Sears (26) discuss a free kick, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O'Neal
Hal Hershfelt also made her U.S. debut, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
And so did Eva Gaetino (22), October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O’Neal
Racing past and present, October 30, 2024 / Image courtesy Emily O'Neal
