SPORTS WRAP
BY WILLIAM HATHAWAY, JR.
PHOTOS BY FELICIA LAGUERRE OWENS
The United States will be among the nations competing in the 2024 Olympics next month in Paris. Soccer, or football, fans all over got to see the United States Women’s Soccer Team in action, taking on Mexico in a friendly matchup.
A sellout crowd of 26,376 at Red Bulls Stadium in Harrison witnessed the “Impact 99 Legacy Match,” which paid special tribute to the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup Champions, led by Brandi Chastain and many others.
The first half of the match was spearheaded by tough defense and was scoreless. However, the second half saw the U.S. women outshoot the visitors 17-3. Sophia Smith and Midfielder Rose Lavelle tested Mexico Goalkeeper Esthefanny Barrerras early, but she held strong. Then, in the 64th minute, Smith broke through for the only goal of the day, leading the U.S. to a 1-0 victory. In their last eight matchups, the United States Women’s Soccer team is unbeaten.
In other sports, the 2024 Home Run Derby was won by Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Teoscar Hernandez, while the American League beat the National League 5-3 in the All-Star game from Arlington. Red Sox CF Jerran Duran took MVP honors after hitting a tie breaking HR in the 5th inning.
