NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In an exciting second half, Lynn Williams and Lindsey Horan found the net just minutes apart, leading the United States to a 3-1 victory over Iceland on Sunday.

Emma Sears made a notable impact as she debuted for the national team, coming on as a substitute in the second half and scoring during stoppage time. This performance made her the first player to achieve both a goal and an assist in her inaugural game for the United States.

This match followed another 3-1 triumph against Iceland just days earlier on Thursday in Austin, marking a strong start to their three-match home series. Next up, the Americans will face Argentina on Wednesday in Louisville, Kentucky.

These matches are particularly significant as they represent the team’s first competitive games since clinching the gold medal at the Paris Olympics this summer.

Iceland initially took the lead in the 31st minute when Karolína Lea Vilhjalmsdottir found the net from a corner kick. U.S. goalkeeper Casey Murphy managed to get a fingertip on the ball, but it ultimately made its way into the goal after striking the far post.

This was the first instance in 12 games that the United States fell behind under coach Emma Hayes. The Americans threatened to equalize in the 62nd minute, but Iceland’s goalkeeper, Cecilía Ran Runarsdottir, made a vital save on a free kick from Horan. However, Williams managed to score in the 72nd minute, leveling the match, with Horan quickly adding another goal just 3 minutes and 45 seconds later.

At halftime, the United States took a moment to honor defender Kelley O’Hara with a special ceremony, recognizing her decision to retire earlier this year. Her final season with Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League was unfortunately hindered by injury.

Additionally, Mallory Swanson was celebrated before the match for reaching 100 appearances for the national team. Her husband, Dansby Swanson, shortstop for the Chicago Cubs, was present to support her during this special occasion. Swanson’s milestone match was the gold-medal game against Brazil during the Olympics, where she scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win.

The U.S. squad for these matches was missing notable players such as Trinity Rodman, who is currently recovering from a back injury, and Crystal Dunn, who was away due to personal obligations.

To wrap up the year, the United States is set to face two European opponents: England at Wembley on November 30 and the Netherlands in The Hague on December 3.