Emma Sears scored her first international hat-trick, guiding the United States women’s national team to a commanding 6-0 victory over New Zealand in a friendly match on Wednesday night in Kansas City, Missouri.
Catarina Macario added two goals, while Rose Lavelle scored one. Michelle Cooper contributed with two key assists, helping the USWNT extend their perfect record against New Zealand to 20 wins, one draw, and one loss.
The US team, now 10-3-0 in 2025, concluded a three-match series of friendlies after previously splitting two matches with Portugal.
Claudia Dickey played a crucial role in goal, making two saves, while New Zealand goalkeeper Victoria Esson recorded five stops.
Sears opened the scoring in the eighth minute, receiving a precise pass from Cooper and finishing with a right-footed strike past Esson. Macario doubled the lead in the 34th minute, with a right-footed shot that deflected off Esson’s foot and into the net.
Ten minutes later, Lavelle made it 3-0 with a powerful right-footed shot into the right corner, marking her 27th goal for the USWNT.
New Zealand struggled to create chances, taking their first shot only in the 52nd minute. They came close again in the 53rd minute from a corner kick, but Dickey tipped a header from Kate Taylor to preserve the clean sheet.
Sears struck again in the 55th minute, connecting with another Cooper cross. She calmly sent a right-footed finish into the net for her second goal of the night.
Macario completed her brace in the 66th minute, receiving a pass from Lindsey Heaps and scoring her 13th international goal with a right-footed shot to the left corner.
Sears’ first attempt at completing her hat-trick came in the 77th minute, but Esson tipped her shot over the net. Six minutes later, a US free kick led to a chaotic scramble, and Sears was perfectly positioned at the goal line to score her third goal, completing her historic hat-trick.
The USWNT dominated the match in every aspect. They held an 18-0 shot advantage in the first half and finished with 34 shots compared to New Zealand’s three.
The team displayed sharp passing, aggressive pressing, and precise finishing, highlighting their depth and skill across the field. Macario’s and Lavelle’s contributions reinforced the team’s offensive strength, while Cooper’s assists demonstrated her playmaking abilities.
This victory provides a confidence boost for the USWNT as they prepare for future competitions. Sears’ performance, highlighted by her hat-trick, signals her rising importance in the squad and her ability to deliver in key moments.
The US team continues to showcase their dominance on the international stage, blending experience with emerging talent. Defensive coordination and clinical finishing were evident throughout the match, leaving New Zealand with limited opportunities to challenge the American side.
With this win, the USWNT strengthens their record against international opponents, demonstrating both tactical discipline and attacking efficiency. The performance also highlights the depth of talent available, as multiple players contributed to the scoring and playmaking.
Emma Sears’ historic hat-trick not only secured the win but also emphasized her growing role in the team. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the USWNT builds momentum for upcoming fixtures and tournaments.
