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USWNT’s Sophia Smith shares emotional moment with dad at World Cup

July 22, 2023

Sophia Smith’s amazing day on the field got even better postgame.

The United States women’s national team star scored two goals in the squad’s 3-0 victory over Vietnam and won Player of the Match, which was presented to her by a very special person.

As Smith, 22, was set to receive her trophy, she noticed who was giving her the piece of hardware: her dad, Kenny Smith.

“Thanks, Dad,” she said with an ear-to-ear smile.

“So proud of you,” Kenny, a two-year college basketball player at the University of Wyoming, said as he kissed her on the head.

“I was literally looking for you in the stands, I saw everyone else,” the forward said.


Sophia Smith of USA is presented with her VISA Player of the Match award by her Father Kenny Smith during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between USA and Vietnam at Eden Park on July 22, 2023
Sophia Smith of USA is presented with her VISA Player of the Match award by her father Kenny Smith during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between USA and Vietnam at Eden Park on July 22, 2023.
FIFA via Getty Images

Sophia Smith of USA poses for a photo with her VISA Player of the Match award alongside her dad.
Sophia Smith of USA poses for a photo with her VISA Player of the Match award alongside her dad.
FIFA via Getty Images

While she did not spot her dad during the action, the two did share a few hugs in the postgame exchange and posed for some pictures.

It was Smith who got the U.S. on the board in the 14th minute of the game when the team was in the attacking end.

She took a flick pass off the heel of Alex Morgan and ran into the left side of the box, shooting the ball toward the far side and under the outstretched arms of Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh.


Sophia Smith #11 of the United States celebrates scoring during the first half of the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between USA and Vietnam at Eden Park on July 22, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Sophia Smith #11 of the United States celebrates scoring during the first half of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between USA and Vietnam at Eden Park on July 22, 2023, in Auckland, New Zealand.
Getty Images

In stoppage time at the end of the first half, she netted her second on a rebound attempt from the top of the box that found its way in.

According to ESPN Stats & Info, Smith became the second-youngest USWNT player with a two-goal performance in a World Cup game.

Between the history and her family gathering, it was an impressive day for the budding star.

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