The United States women's national team demolished the Republic of Ireland on Saturday night by the score of 5-0. Another convincing victory for the American ladies in a friendly is normally nothing to write home about, because they thrash pretty much every opponent they come up against.
This match was different for one sole reason. 17-year-old phenom, Mallory Pugh, made her USWNT debut in the win. Not only did she make his first appearance for the team, she also recorded her first ever international goal:
What a moment. Seventeen-year-old Mallory Pugh nods home at the near post for her first international goal. WATCH: https://t.co/XiV9D3BUeh
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) January 24, 2016
The much-talked about Pugh is a special talent. So much so that rumors have been flying about her in the last few weeks. U.S. Soccer and the NWSL reportedly were set to offer her a record deal in an attempt to convince her to skip college and turn pro. A second set of reports have now emerged that state that she's decided to take the college route with UCLA instead. No matter where she ends up, the future is extremely bright.
Another Carli Lloyd hat trick was overshadowed by the teenager's emphatic USWNT debut. Something I'm sure the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year will be okay with.