Before forward Lindsey Horan ran onto the field for her 105th cap with the United States women’s national team, she took a second to soak in the moment.
She surveyed the sold-out crowd at Kansas City, Kansas’, Children’s Mercy Park, draped in red, white and blue, not a single empty seat in sight. To her left stood a framed jersey that read 100. On her right was her immediate family, their words drowned out by the applause that reverberated from the south deck to the American Outlaws’ supporters section that temporarily occupied The Cauldron.
Before the game, Horan’s sports psychologist told her to take in every single moment, no matter how big or small. What came of it was an afternoon full of emotion and gratitude.
“I’ve cried about seven times today, ” Horan said.
In the hour leading up to the match, the Coloradan experienced one of the “most special moments” of her career. Forward Carli Lloyd –– about to play in her second-to-last game with the national team –– approached Horan with a jersey. On it, the number 10 sat below the name “HORAN.”
As she absorbed the scene before kickoff, Horan couldn’t help but think about what transpired in the locker room and what it took for her to arrive at that very moment.
“The players on this team are so good and the standard for this team is so high,” Horan said. “To be able to play, work, come into camp and get the opportunity to play for the national team for 100 caps is such an honor.”
Unfortunately for Horan and the USWNT, the on-field result –– a 0-0 draw against the Korea Republic –– wasn’t nearly as memorable. The team failed to win a home game for the first time in 22 attempts and it has been 60 home matches since an opponent held the USWNT scoreless on home soil.
Still, Horan provided some of the United States’ best first-half chances. In the 13th minute, her shot from outside the box deflected off the left post. Six minutes later, the Coloradan got free between defenders at the back post, but couldn’t put enough power on the cross from Kelly O’Hara to beat Korea keeper Younggeul Yoon.
“In the two years I’ve been in this job, I can’t remember that [Horan] has had a bad game or even an average one,” coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “She’s always been above average or super good. Tonight she controlled the tempo of the team, controlled the tempo of the game and had a great mindset.”
All three Thorns played heavy minutes in the USWNT’s draw Wednesday night. Horan and defender Becky Sauerbrunn both started while forward Sophia Smith subbed in in at halftime. Seven players who currently play for the Thorns or have played for the club in the past made Andonovski’s game day roster against South Korea. Some other familiar names? Tobin Heath, Emily Sonnett, Adrianna “AD” Franch and Alex Morgan.
Franch started in goal and kept a clean sheet in her first “home” game with the United States. A native of Salina, Kansas, “AD” recorded her only save in the 35th minutes to help her team secure the clean sheet.
Smith, making just her ninth appearance with the national team, entered the game right after halftime and made an immediate impact. While she didn’t find the back of the net, Smith’s runs into space resulted in dangerous attacking opportunities. When she couldn’t get in behind Korea’s defense, Smith was more than comfortable dribbling past defenders on her own, leaving them in her wake.
“Tonight was one of the first times I’ve felt like [Smith] was at her most confident,” Horan said. “That was really cool for me to see. She was driving at players, pressing, attacking. She can be so special. I’m so proud of her and I think she’s going to be a bright light on this team.”
On Wednesday night, Smith showed why she’s been a constant presence in the USWNT’s camps since the Olympics. After the game, she received a ringing endorsement from Andonovski.
“Ever since she came in there was always something happening,” Andonovski said. “Unfortunately for her, she was either a step short or she took a little too long of a touch. When all that gets corrected with more minutes and more games, she’s going to take care of that and I think she’s going to be unstoppable.”
Again, the United States’ drew 0-0 on Wednesday. But the night wasn’t just about the final result. It was about Smith finding her rhythm with the national team and Horan coming into her own as both a veteran and the next number ten on the USWNT.
“I’ve worked so hard to get to this moment and be a consistent player for this national team. Now I’m more of a vet and more of an older player. So what’s next? That was my change in mindset tonight.”