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19 September 2018
Sophia Smith, the next American superstar ?
The days go by, the competitions are different and Sophia Smith continues to impress ! Named best player of the Sud Ladies Cup 2018, the 18-year-old striker established herself as one of the most exciting young talents in American football.
Despite growing up in a basketball family, Sophia Smith has opted for football. Given her talent, she has made the right decision.
All the fans who attended to the first edition of the Sud Ladies Cup on June were seduced by the Smith’s displays. Fast, technically gifted, deadly in front of the net, the 1m67 forward netted four goals in three games and has been named best player of the tournament.
Le trophée de la meilleure joueuse de la Sud Ladies Cup 2018 est décerné à Sophia Smith ?
— Toulon Tournament (@TournoiToulon) 10 juin 2018
The @ussoccer_wnt forward Sophia Smith won the #SudLadiesCup 2018's best player award ? pic.twitter.com/1qsESFzrDN
Beyond the individual award and the collective trophy, the Sud Ladies Cup 2018 was the opportunity for Smith to find out that she can influence the dressing room. Notably during the half time of the game against France (3-1). “I knew someone needed to speak up because no one was doing it. We were all tired. It had been a long camp. I think everyone was just not really feeling it. I was like guys, ‘we could win this whole tournament in these last 45 minutes. Let’s go win this game.’ That was an important part of my career, knowing that I can influence players, even if I’m the youngest”, she said to the US Soccer official website.
Few weeks later, she played a leading role once again at the World Cup U20. Despite the group stage exit faced by USA, Smith impressed the observers by scoring three goals in as many games.
Now, Smith is focused on her new challenge : shining in the NCAA Women Soccer with the title holders Stanford.
Her start to life at Stanford looks like a fairytale so far. The Sud Ladies Cup 2018 best player has found the net and delivered an assist on her debut against San Francisco (5-1).
17' | OOOOOO what a way to open your collegiate account, @sophsssmith!!! Stanford takes a 1-0 lead on the freshman's stunning goal. Watch on @Pac12Network
— Stanford Women's Soccer (@StanfordWSoccer) 25 août 2018
?: 1
?: 0#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/MCKAzI2yM0
Then, the young American forward confirmed her good form as she boasts a tally of 4 goals and 2 assists in 7 games until now. Meanwhile, on the collective level, Stanford are atop of the league.
“The next women’s World Cup is 2019, maybe it’s an ambitious goal, I don’t know. But that would be awesome to be a part of that”, she said on May to the Coloradoan.
Her dream can become a reality if she keeps the momentum going.
Credits photo : Magali Ruffato
