USWNT knocked it out of the park against Zambia today. Emma Hayes and Co. secured a remarkable 3-0 victory in their inaugural group stage fixture, taking their first step towards the knockout stages. Mallory Swanson’s brace following Rodman’s opener unlocked the attacking prowess of the team that now looks promising for gold. However, the spotlight shifted away from the scoreline to Sophia Smith after the forward was taken off in an early substitution. On top of Jaedyn Shaw being out due to a sustained leg injury, would The Gals lose out on Smith as well? Concerns arise.

Smith came off the pitch limping just before the end of the first half; in the 43rd minute to be precise, and was replaced by Lynn Williams. Reports came following the match that the 23-year-old was taken off after sustaining a potential knock in her right ankle. During the post-match press conference, Hayes also had no definite answer when questioned to give an update regarding Smith. Instead, the former Chelsea boss urged patience as they wait for clarity once the Thorns standout returns to Marseille for the training camp with the team.

Smith was no less than impressive as her presence within the first 40 minutes proved favorable for the former World champions. She played a key role in setting up the opening golazo from Trinity Rodman in the 17th minute. The Thorns forward was also there to witness Mallory Swanson etch her name in the history books by scoring a brace in the 24th and 25th minute, breaking Carli Lloyd’s record by netting just 66 seconds apart.

Luckily, things remained unchanged even after Smith came off the field as USWNT sealed a decent win and clinched the crucial three points. Yet, her early dismissal from the game has left many wondering if the forward would be available for the upcoming clashes.

Fans cross their fingers for a positive update on Sophia Smith

The second-most prestigious tournament after the World Cup has just begun. And the 4-time champs have 2 notable players under injury shadows; Jaedyn Shaw and Sophia Smith. For Shaw, a last minute injury scratch kept her from starting the first game. Yet, it is deemed nothing serious. Meanwhile, Smith, the no:11 forward, who has scored 10 goals for Portland Thorns in NWSL, remains an important puzzle piece in Emma Hayes’ squad. Hence, losing her for the upcoming games will have a not-so-little impact. And fans can’t help but be concerned.

That’s the spirit. Time to stay calm and be hopeful. Even Emma Hayes didn’t look stressed concerning Sophia Smith. Perhaps it might be a minor knock that Smith must have felt which saw her sit on the bench for the rest of the 45 minutes.

Giving start to the trio of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman indeed turned out to be the best decision taken by Emma Hayes. One can say it was a true Barcelona-level MSN [Messi, Suarez, Neymar] display from all three WNT forwards.

Come to the game, After Smith was taken off, it was showing in the second half. Hayes’ attacking trident did not look as lethal as they did in the first half, even when they faced a 10-player Zambia.

Emma Hayes may have decided to take off the winger for precautionary reasons. While in action, she might have displayed signs of slowing down or a minor injury scare that must have forced the former Chelsea boss to make the tough call.

Be that as it may, a proper medical analysis in the next few days will determine the exact cause and extent of Sophia Smith’s injury.