USWNT vs. Vietnam player ratings: Sophia Smith stands out - ESPN

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The U.S. women's national team got the result it expected, though perhaps not the margin of victory it anticipated going in, defeating Vietnam 3-0 in the teams' 2023 FIFA World Cup opener. Sophie Smith scored two first-half goals and Lindsey Horan added a third on a day when the U.S. defense was untroubled.

Smith scored the opener in the 14th minute, finishing through the legs of Vietnam keeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh after she was put through thanks to Alex Morgan's layoff. Morgan should have added to the U.S. scoreline, but her 44th-minute penalty was saved by Tran. It was left to Smith to extend the Americans' lead, scoring deep into first-half stoppage time as she fired home after a weak attempted punch by Tran.

The U.S. kept up its territorial dominance in the second half, and finally broke through in the 77th minute with Smith assisting on Lindsey Horan's goal.

Here's how the individual performances stacked up.

GK Alyssa Naeher, 6 -- She touched the ball four times in the first half. That pretty much summed up a stress-free day.

DF Emily Fox, 5 -- Defended her side well enough but needed to be sharper in the attacking half. Missed a glorious chance in the 66th minute when she blazed her shot over the bar from close range.

DF Julie Ertz, 7 -- Wasn't sharp on the ball early but then stayed within herself in terms of passing. Was her usual physical force in the back.

DF Naomi Girma, 8 -- Cool and composed on the ball, and used her pace well to snuff out what few attacks Vietnam could muster. Her long diagonal passes created problems for Vietnam, creating the scramble prior to Smith's second goal.

DF Crystal Dunn, 6 -- Was a factor going forward and should do more of that, especially with Smith not