Young American stars try to avoid pressure before match against Vietnam women's team

Sophia Smith doesn't use Twitter, but she's well aware of the pressure and expectations surrounding the U.S. women's national team as the 2023 World Cup opener approaches. "When you're on the team, you have to set a high bar, and the pressure and effort is high. We all know that, and it's nothing new. Even the young players like us who have never been to a World Cup know that," said the 22-year-old star, who was named the NWSL's (the top women's soccer league in the United States) female player of the year for 2022.

Sophia Smith is a bright young talent of American women's soccer.

After winning the 2015 and 2019 titles, the U.S. women’s team is aiming for its third consecutive World Cup title, an unprecedented feat in the history of men’s and women’s soccer. It has become a topic of much discussion in the media. But this time, the U.S. squad includes 14 players who are making their World Cup debut, so fans are waiting to see how they will perform in Australia and New Zealand.

"With this World Cup, we're focused on the first game against Vietnam and the whole team will try to take it one game at a time. We're facing a lot of challenges at this World Cup," said defender Emily Fox, who has been a mainstay in the US defense since the 2020 Olympics.

Emily Fox (left) is a mainstay of the US women's team's defense.

With all the attention and energy heading into the opening game against Vietnam at Eden Park, Smith, Fox and the young stars of the USA are energized to make the most of their opportunities. "It's been incredible what the USA team has done and we hope to continue that legacy and push the boundaries. It's an honor to be on this team and represent our country. We're very proud of that and we accept all the pressure," Smith added.

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