Emma Sears Hat Trick Powers U.S. Women’s National Team to 6–0 Rout of New Zealand
(Kansas City, Mo = GooddaySports) The U.S. Women’s National Team closed the October FIFA window in emphatic fashion, dismantling New Zealand 6–0 in its first-ever match at CPKC Stadium—the world’s first purpose-built venue for a women’s professional soccer team and home of the 2025 NWSL Shield-winning Kansas City Current.
Forward Emma Sears delivered the performance of her young international career, netting her first-ever hat trick and becoming the 26th player in USWNT history to score three in a match. Catarina Macario added a brace, her fourth multi-goal performance for the national team, while captain Rose Lavelle scored a first-half golazo that underlined her leadership on a night when the lineup averaged just 17.3 caps per player—the fewest in a U.S. starting XI in 25 years.
Head coach Emma Hayes fielded a youthful, experimental squad featuring six changes from the Portugal match, including San Diego Wave defender Kennedy Wesley, who earned her first cap. Despite the inexperience, the U.S. was relentless—out-shooting New Zealand 34–2, claiming 82 percent possession, and earning 10 corner kicks.
Two Kansas City Current stars, Michelle Cooper and Claire Hutton, started in front of a roaring local crowd, drawing thunderous applause from the teal-clad supporters.
The U.S. struck early once again, as Cooper’s precise low cross found Sears for a composed right-footed finish in the eighth minute. In the 34th, Lavelle and defender Emily Sams combined to set up Macario, whose shot deflected past New Zealand’s keeper Victoria Esson. Lavelle then made it 3–0 just before halftime with a curling volley from the edge of the box.
After the break, Sears doubled her tally in the 55th minute following another Cooper assist, and Macario bagged her second in the 66th minute off a deflected pass from Lindsey Heaps. The night concluded perfectly when Sears pounced on a rebound from a Sam Coffey free kick in the 84th minute to seal her hat trick and the 6–0 final.
Goalkeeper Claudia Dickey registered her third clean sheet in four caps, anchoring a back line that entered the match with just 11 combined appearances. The victory extended the U.S. unbeaten streak against New Zealand to 21 matches—its longest active run versus any opponent—and marked the largest margin of victory in the series’ history.
With this commanding win, the U.S. improves to 10 victories in 2025 and shifts focus to its final fixtures of the year: two November and December clashes against Euro 2025 semifinalist Italy in Florida.
*Final Score: USA 6, New Zealand 0
Goals: Emma Sears (8′, 55′, 84′), Catarina Macario (34′, 66′), Rose Lavelle (44′)
