It was quite the Texas homecoming Thursday for United States women’s national team forward Jaedyn Shaw.
Shaw, who was born in Frisco, fired home the winning goal in the 85th minute as the USWNT defeated Iceland 3-1 in an international friendly at Q2 Stadium.
More: Mallory Swanson celebrates more than a gold medal as USWNT starts its tour in Austin
“I was just ecstatic,” Shaw said. “I was so happy my family was here. I’m in my home state, and it’s just really exciting.”
Coming on in the 66th minute as a second-half sub, Shaw took a short pass from Casey Krueger, made two nifty cutbacks, and then slid the ball past approaching Iceland goalkeeper Telma Ívarsdóttir.
“Her ability to create goals is second to none in this country,” USWNT coach Emma Hayes said. “She’s a unique talent. I don’t know too many players who can do what she does. She just needs to keep working on her game and keep building on what largely has been a good year for her.”
Oct 12, 2024; Austin, Texas, US; US Women’s National Team forward Jaedyn Shaw (15) passes the ball while defended by Iceland midfielder Berglind Ros Agustsdottir (2) during the second half at Q2 Stadium.
Shaw is a member of the youth movement for the USWNT.
Along with Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson, she’s part of the plethora of talent the USWNT has at forward between the ages of 19-26. It’s an embarrassment of riches that should have the team set up top for nearly a decade.
“I feel we are all very unique in our own ways,” said Smith, who provided the third goal two minutes after Shaw’s on an impressive take from just outside the box. “For some reason, it just clicks every time we all get to play together. It’s important to have depth, especially in world tournaments where you have game after game after game. And it’s important to have experience with that depth, so continuing to get the young players minutes … I think we will be very difficult to defend.”
Currently in her third year playing professionally for the San Diego Wave FC of the NWSL — she turned pro when she was 17 — Shaw was on the roster for the Olympics but was injured in training and rendered a spectator for the team’s run to the gold medal.
“It’s amazing to come back and contribute,” she said. “Everybody in the locker room afterwards was so happy for me because they saw how hard the Olympics were for me.”
The USWNT took a 1-0 lead on Thompson’s rocket from the left side of the box late in the first half, but Selma Magnusdottir’s well-placed shot in the 55th minute tied the game.
Oct 12, 2024; Austin, Texas, US; US Women’s National Team forward Jaedyn Shaw (15) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the second half against Iceland at Q2 Stadium.
Dominating possession with more than 70%, the USWNT did little wrong in the match, which is the start of a three-game tour celebrating it winning Olympic gold in August.
With eight goals and counting before she turns 20 late next month, Shaw may have plenty of more chances to go on victory tours.
“Jaedyn has it all,” Smith said. “She’s athletic, has technicality, is smart and has a high soccer IQ. As she continues to build minutes with this team she’s only going to continue to get better.”
Hayes impressed with Austin fans
Hayes credited the crowd of roughly 18,000 with playing a part in the win.
“I absolutely love the drums during the game,” she said. “The crowd was tremendous and you could really hear them. They were wonderful and I think helped motivate the team late.”
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Oct 12, 2024; Austin, Texas, US; U.S. WomenÕs National Team forward Alyssa Thompson (7) scores a goal during the first half against Iceland at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: USWNT vs Iceland: 2 late goals give USA dominating 3-1 win