First-time World Cup player Sophia Smith stole the show in the USWNT’s opening game, scoring two goals before halftime. Scoring a goal in competition is one of the best feelings, the culmination of effort and skill in the construct of a team is magical. For the record, the scale of euphoric goals goes something like this; the first goal in the game ranks second, followed by the goal that ties the game in third. Then there’s “the goal”. I spent much of my childhood on the carpet in the upstairs den, 2024-25 mexico jersey as my father and brothers sat in recliners and watched a game.