Adam Bettcher/Getty Images
16-year-old Lily Yohannes scores in her first appearance for the US women’s soccer team.
CNN
—
It was an international debut for the 16-year-old Leila Yohannes after she scored a goal during a soccer match. US Women’s Team A 3-0 win against South Korea on Tuesday.
The youngster, who was sent on as a substitute in the second half of the friendly, scored within 10 minutes, finishing off a well-worked corner routine in the 82nd minute.
The American, who plays for Dutch club Ajax, was emotional as he celebrated the goal with his teammates.
“It’s a dream come true, really,” Yohannes said during his post match InterviewAfter the The third youngest player To score for the US women’s team.
“I’ve played this scenario in my head, how many times before this game? The idea is to come and score.
“The support of my teammates has been great for me. I am very happy and very excited.
Yohannes was introduced by the new American manager Emma HayesThe midfielder impressed during the recent training camp.
“She didn’t look like a 16-year-old,” Hayes said after the match ESPN. “She knows what I think about her. I wanted her on this team.
Bailey Hillesheim/ICON Sportswire/AP
American players celebrate together after Yohannes scores his first goal.
The young midfielder was born in Virginia but Went to the Netherlands with his family in 2017.
His talents quickly attracted the attention of football powerhouse Ajax, and it wasn’t long before the sensation was integrated into the first team.
In November last year, at the age of just 16, she became the youngest player to start a Women’s Champions League group stage match.
“She’s a natural soccer player, she’s confident in her abilities. I think playing in Europe helped her, accelerated her,” Hayes added to ESPN.
“She had expressions that a lot of American 16-year-olds don’t have, and it shows. There was a maturity to that even at a young age.”
Goals from Crystal Dunn and Sophia Smith put the USA firmly in control Taegeuk girlsYohannes’ strike before the start of another successful night for the Americans.
Hayes hopes the youngster will be an integral part of the team as they usher in a new era for the four-time Women’s World Cup winners after failing to reach the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time last year.
The former Chelsea manager has now won his first two matches, both coming against South Korea.
“Friend of animals everywhere. Devoted analyst. Total alcohol scholar. Infuriatingly humble food trailblazer.”