Ajax midfielder Lily Yohannes, at just 16 years old, made history by becoming the third-youngest goalscorer for the U.S. Women’s National Team during a friendly match against South Korea. She scored in the 82nd minute and also became the youngest player to make an appearance for the national team since 2001. Yohannes joins the likes of Kristine Lilly and Tiffany Roberts as one of the youngest goalscorers for the USWNT, making her mark in the record books with her impressive performance.
Yohannes shared her excitement and gratitude after the match, describing the experience as a dream come true. She had imagined scoring a goal countless times before, and the overwhelming support from her teammates made the moment even more special for her. Despite her young age, Yohannes showed composure and confidence on the field, showcasing her talent and potential as a promising young player for the national team.
During the match, Yohannes demonstrated her versatility and skill, drifting off of her teammates and creating opportunities for the wingers. She handled challenging tasks, such as navigating around experienced opponents like Ji So-yun, showing her teammates and coaches that she was up for the challenge. Her goal, a calmly-placed shot that rolled underneath the goalkeeper, solidified her position as a talented goalscorer for the USWNT.
Yohannes’ journey to the national team has been marked by hard work and dedication. Born in Springfield, Va., she started playing soccer at a young age alongside her brothers and father within a close-knit community of Ethiopian and Eritrean expats. After moving to the Netherlands, Yohannes joined the Ajax women’s academy and quickly established herself as a key player for the team. With an impressive record of five goals and four assists in 20 matches, she helped Ajax reach the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Teammates and coaches have praised Yohannes for her maturity and talent, with many highlighting her exceptional passing abilities and composure on the field. Forward Sophia Smith commended Yohannes for seamlessly integrating into the team during her debut, while midfielder Rose Lavelle expressed her admiration for the young player’s impressive performance. With her debut goal for the USWNT, Yohannes has proven herself as a valuable asset to the team and a rising star in women’s soccer.
Yohannes’ historic achievement serves as a reminder of the talent and potential within the USWNT roster. As the team continues to evolve and refresh its lineup post-World Cup, young players like Yohannes are given the opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the team’s success. With her promising start on the national stage, Yohannes is poised to make a significant impact in women’s soccer and inspire future generations of players to pursue their dreams on the field.
