Emma Sears scored her first international hat-trick as the United States women’s national team thrashed New Zealand 6-0 in an international friendly in Kansas City, Missouri.
Catarina Macario added a brace, with Rose Lavelle also on target, as the USWNT extended their all-time record against New Zealand to 20 wins, one draw and one defeat.
Sears opened the scoring in the eighth minute after collecting a pass from Michelle Cooper, before Macario doubled the lead in the 34th minute when her shot deflected off the goalkeeper and into the net. Lavelle made it 3-0 just before half-time with a right-footed strike into the right corner.
New Zealand had their best chance in the 53rd minute when Kate Taylor’s header was saved by Claudia Dickey, who kept a clean sheet with two saves. Sears scored her second in the 55th minute, again set up by Cooper, and Macario completed her brace in the 66th minute after a pass from Lindsey Heaps.
Sears completed her hat-trick in the 83rd minute, pouncing on a loose ball from a free kick to score her fourth USWNT goal. The United States dominated possession and shots, finishing with a 34-3 advantage.
