Author: Nancy Armour, USA TODAY

Lindsey Horan’s fury at a borderline dirty tackle from Netherlands proved to be the difference maker in a game the USWNT could not afford to lose.

Sophia Smith, Naomi Girma and others are using the biggest moment of their careers to make sure late Stanford teammate Katie Meyer isn’t forgotten.

Alex Morgan, who missed a penalty kick in the USWNT’s win against Vietnam, says she’s “really hopeful for future (ones) in this tournament.”

Julie Ertz started at center back in the USWNT’s opening win over Vietnam despite not having played the position consistently since 2017.

The USWNT is happy with a win against Vietnam, but also aware it must do better going forward — starting with next week’s big match vs. Netherlands

Coach Vlatko Andonovski said Megan Rapinoe, Julie Ertz and Rose Lavelle are all available for Saturday’s World Cup opener against Vietnam.

USWNT players shared their thoughts on an emotional day that saw the World Cup begin in the wake of a shooting near team hotels in Auckland.

The U.S. women are among the teams in Auckland for their opening World Cup games. U.S. Soccer said the USWNT is “accounted for and safe.”