The 18-year-old scored either side of half-time as the tournament favorites laid down an early marker

American soccer has been waiting for Olivia Moultrie's U.S. women's national team arrival. If it didn't come in her senior debut in 2023, it surely came on Tuesday with what can only be regarded as a true breakout performance.

The teenage starlet scored two of the USWNT's five goals in a 5-0 win over the Dominican Republic to open the W Gold Cup in style. She was joined on the scoresheet by Lynn Williams, Jenna Nighswonger and Alex Morgan, with the latter pair scoring late penalties to put the result beyond all doubt.

It was a match loaded with storylines: Morgan's return to the goals, Jaedyn Shaw's continued development, and Nighswonger's evolution with the USWNT. No story was bigger than Moultrie, though, a player who has been on the scene for some time, but is really just getting started.

GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Dignity Health Sports Park…

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  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Alyssa Naeher (6/10):

  Did she even play? There were no attacks to fend off and no saves to make. A quiet day for the goalkeeper.

  Jenna Nighswonger (8/10):

  Should have had an assist early, but saw it ruled back for an offside call. To make up for it, she went out and got her first USWNT goal from the penalty spot. Overall, a really good performance for a player who is proving she can do a little bit of everything.

  Becky Sauerbrunn (6/10):

  Another one that didn't have much to do, although she's done plenty during her USNWT career already, so we can let it slide!

  Abby Dahlkemper (6/10):

  Anchored the defense with Sauerbrunn, which felt like old times.

  Emily Sonnett (7/10):

  Played as something of an inverted rightback, which is something she can do given her versatility. Drifted centrally plenty and offered a lot in the midfield, putting in a solid 45.

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  Midfield

  Olivia Moultrie (9/10):

  Welcome to the big time! Her first two goals in a USNWT shirt, and it feels like they won't be the last as the 18-year-old starlet is here to stay.

  Sam Coffey (7/10):

  So, so calm. More evidence that she should be in the race for a midfield spot going forward.

  Korbin Albert (8/10):

  Got so close to her first international goal. Was active and very noticeable. Overall, a good second impression for the U.S.

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  Attack

  Lynn Williams (8/10):

  Got one goal. Could have had two if not for an offside call. The Gotham FC chemistry with Purce was on full display as Williams put in a strong shift.

  Sophia Smith (7/10):

  Teed up Moultrie's first goal. Was otherwise a bit overshadowed by the other two attackers, which makes sense given how good they were.

  Midge Purce (9/10):

  Was absolutely unplayable. Did whatever she wanted all game long, running circles around the Dominican Republic defense from the opening whistle.

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  Subs & Manager

  Emily Fox (7/10):

  Replaced Sonnett at the half. Work-rate was incredible as she almost pressed her way to a goal.

  Jaedyn Shaw (7/10):

  Plenty of confidence. Almost scored a ridiculous karate kick and provided some good service while also drawing a penalty for the fourth goal. Very encouraging.

  Trinity Rodman (8/10):

  Came on and immediately started trying to snatch souls with nutmegs. Absolutely electric as she earned a late penalty.

  Alex Morgan (7/10):

  So, so weird to see her in a number other than 13. Had some solid moments in her second-half cameo, most notably her first USWNT goal in about a year with her penalty finish.

  Rose Lavelle (6/10):

  Was given the chance to run around a little bit with the game long over.

  Twila Kilgore (7/10):

  Shook things up with the XI, but it turned out to be pretty fun! A good start to the tournament and a big moment for several future stars.

Barcelona boss Xavi addressed the rumours that he could reverse his decision to quit Barcelona at the end of the current season.

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Xavi responds to rumours of him reversing decision to quitXavi set to leave Barcelona next seasonBarcelona currently third in La LigaWHAT HAPPENED?

In January, during a press conference, Xavi dropped the bombshell that he would quit Barcelona at the end of the current season. Lately, there has been speculation that suggests the Catalan coach could reverse his decision if the club end the 2023/24 on a positive note.

AdvertisementWHAT XAVI SAID

Speaking to reporters, Xavi refuted all the rumours as he said, "As of today, nothing has changed. There is no more story than that. It all remains the same and we focus on the next game."

He added, "It’s true we’ve done well recently; I see the team training great every day and the group of players is less tense than in the past. But tomorrow is a whole new story, here at Barcelona you have a challenge every day. The moment of the truth this season is coming, and we feel we have been good over the last weeks."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

In his first full season as the Blaugrana boss, the 44-year-old guided the club to La Liga title win and also helped them claim the Spanish Super Cup by beating rivals Real Madrid in the final. In the current campaign, though, the Catalan giants have struggled to find form. They failed to defend the Spanish Super Cup title as Real Madrid reclaimed the trophy and were also ousted from the Copa del Rey quarter-final after losing 4-2 to Athletic Club.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

The reigning champions, who are currently third in the league and are eight points behind Los Blancos, will next face Athletic Club on Sunday.

West Ham United and manager David Moyes have been gifted an ‘advantage’ in the race to sign Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyes Lingard move…

The Premier League ace has been on Moyes’ transfer radar for the better part of a year with reports first emerging in 2021 that West Ham wanted to make Lingard’s loan deal a permanent one.

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However, GSB’s efforts to prise away the England international were in vain, with Lingard electing to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his future under ex-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Following his lack of game time, a January exit for Moyes’ long-term target was on the cards and West Ham even made late attempts to seal his London Stadium return in the winter.

The Irons couldn’t finalise his capture yet again, but as they reportedly go for third time lucky, Lingard’s soon-to-be free agent status could make his signing that bit less complicated.

The Latest: O’Rourke makes promising Lingard claim…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Pete O’Rourke claims that West Ham have one ‘advantage’ in the race for United’s departing ace.

He also believes that Hammers supporters would certainly ‘encourage’ a move for Lingard going by his brilliant spell in east London last year.

When asked if the 29-year-old’s familiarity with Moyes at West Ham will be a factor, O’Rourke explained: “I think you’ve got to say that it gives them an advantage; they both know each other. Jesse Lingard was such a big fans’ favourite during his loan spell at West Ham, so the fans would definitely encourage that move.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

While the Europa League semi-finalists are arguable front-runners for Lingard, does that mean West Ham should be competing for his signature yet again this summer?

Moyes, as per reliable reports, is targeting a central defender, new midfielder, striker and potential reserve keeper to boost his 2022/2023 ranks.

Lingard is a player of proven top flight quality and experienced England international who has already shined under the Scotsman at West Ham.

The fact he could join for zero cost makes this an arguable no-brainer, even despite the frustrating sagas of West Ham’s last two efforts to sign him.

Moyes, by saving transfer funds on a swoop for Lingard, could then spend big on trying to seal world class central defensive and forward signings.

Called a would-be ‘massive signing’ for West Ham by former England keeper Paul Robinson, we believe that remains the case.

In other news: As of now: ExWHUemployeee shares fresh West Ham player update after agreement reached…find out more here.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has delivered his verdict on the future of attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho at Aston Villa. 

The lowdown: Star signing

The 29-year-old arrived at Villa Park in January on a short term deal from Barcelona until the end of the season and proved to be an instant hit in the Midlands.

Following a debut goal against Manchester United in a 2-2 draw, Coutinho has taken his tally to four goals and three assists in just 14 Premier League outings.

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Despite a dip in overall form for Villa in recent weeks, manager Steven Gerrard has been backed to pursue a move for the former Liverpool man…

The latest: Robinson endorses summer move

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Tottenham number one and current BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Robinson backed Villa to sign Coutinho on a permanent basis due to the good personal relationship with the manager.

“Villa have slipped away quietly this season. I was expecting them to finish in the top ten after the impact Steven Gerrard had in his first few weeks. They were playing really well.

“They are a work in progress though. You forget where they were when he took over. I still think he’ll want to sign Coutinho permanently. They have such a good relationship. I can see it happening.

“I think Coutinho, [Ollie] Watkins, John McGinn and Matty Cash will be the players Steven builds the team around next season. I can see them pushing on if they do.

“They have fallen away but I expect a big improvement next year.”

The verdict: Make it happen

Without a goal contribution in six outings, there has been an undoubted drop off since a scintillating introduction to life as a Villan for Coutinho.

However, boasting an impressive trophy cabinet with 11 major accolades from spells at the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich, opportunities to sign a player of the 68-cap Brazilian’s calibre don’t present themselves that often.

With a reported option to buy standing at £33million (Sky Sports), the Aston Villa hierarchy should be willing to sanction the permanent move for the skilful forward once described as possessing ‘magical powers’ by Roberto Firmino as Gerrard looks to build a squad ready to challenge the top half of the table next season.

In other news, journalist urges Aston Villa to focus on key position. Read more here.

TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed that Leeds United winger Raphinha will ‘100%’ have his head turned already but trusts him to battle for Premier League survival at Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Interest from Barcelona

The Brazilian still has two years remaining on his current contract with the Whites, but has been the subject of lots of speculation in recent weeks, with his future at Elland Road up the air, consistently linked with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona.

Jesse Marsch’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal last weekend, a scoreline that has now seen them fall into the drop zone following fellow relegation-battling Everton’s 2-1 victory against Leicester City.

The fixtures aren’t going to get any easier for Leeds as they are set to take on Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea on Wednesday night, and if they do end up making a return to the Championship next season, the club have got to accept that they will be vulnerable to losing some of their star players.

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The Latest: Raphinha’s losing it?

Luke Ayling was sent off for a frankly unprofessional lapse of common sense against the Gunners before Raphinha was booked for his complaints in the aftermath.

And Agbonlahor believes Ayling isn’t the only one losing his cool, as he told Football Insider ahead of Wednesday’s match.

“Raphinha looks like he is losing his head a little bit in games. I think his head has definitely been turned and 100 per cent in his mind he knows he’s leaving.

“But he will want to do his best for Leeds in the Premier League although you can definitely tell his head has been turned.

“It’s looking like a risky situation for Leeds and there’s every chance they go down themselves.”

The Verdict: Pivotal player

If the seven-cap international is to depart Yorkshire this summer, it would come as a huge blow to the American boss considering he’s been such a pivotal player for the club since arriving in a £17m move from Rennes in 2020.

During his two-year spell with Leeds, Raphinha has scored 16 goals and provided 12 assists in just 64 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt, and he is currently the club’s best-rated player to have started at least one game.

If the Whites were to get relegated at the end of May, there’s no doubt that decisions would have to be made surrounding the long-term futures of players at the club, and whilst the hierarchy will surely want to keep their key man, it might be a difficult job trying to deny him the opportunity to go and join the Catalans.

In other news… a journalist has delivered his verdict on the future of one Leeds superstar.

Liverpool should make a move for highly-rated defender Ronnie Edwards from EFL side Peterborough United this summer amid interest shown from several top clubs according to Liverpool.com.

Reports in the Daily Mail suggest several clubs are interested in completing a deal for the youngster who could fetch a fee of £15m which would be a record sale for Peterborough.

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One of the tasks for Liverpool this summer will be to sign players for the future as well as any big names, and Edwards could make the perfect addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad. He has been described as an “incredible talent” by his former manager Darren Ferguson.

The 19-year old joined The Posh from Barnet in 2020 and has been a regular starter for the side in the Championship this season. Unfortunately, they couldn’t avoid relegation, but that still didn’t stop Edwards from showing his quality.

He has been a shining light in a struggling side, averaging an impressive passing accuracy of 89% per game. He also wins 66% of his ground duels per game and has a 73% successful dribble rate.

These stats prove that he can be aggressive as well as great on the ball, this is a key asset needed if you want to be a success in a Klopp team that is confident in possession and wants to play out from the back.

Crystal Palace are among several clubs interested in the England U19 international. This will be tough competition for Liverpool, with Palace manager Patrick Vieira showing since his return to English football, just how good he is at getting the best out of young players.

Former Chelsea defender Marc Guehi is just one example of this, and Edwards could make a great partner for him.

However, it would be hard to say no to the opportunity to play under Klopp, experience the Anfield crowd and learn from one of the best defences in football.

Liverpool also have history when it comes to signing young talents from the EFL, in 2015 they bought Joe Gomez from Charlton Athletic for £3.5m when he was just 18-years old.

He has gone on to be a key part of their success in recent years, picking up a Premier League and Champions League medal amongst others in that time.

If Edwards does move to Merseyside then he could follow in the footsteps of Gomez and be a future star for the club.

IN other news: Liverpool now eye swoop for £67.5m-rated “full package”, he’s Klopp’s brand new Reus…

Sheffield United host Nottingham Forest this afternoon for the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final, with both sides hopeful of making it to the Premier League.

The Blades could secure promotion back to the top-flight at the first time of asking after last season’s relegation, whereas Forest haven’t been amongst English football’s elite for 23 years.

Paul Heckingbottom and his players will be particularly cautious that they don’t make a mistake which could cost them the tie after the first leg, but how are the South Yorkshire outfit looking ahead of today’s clash?

Injury news

As per Nottinghamshire Live, Blades captain Billy Sharp is edging closer to a return, with Heckingbottom stating: “Bill’s another few days closer. We’d like him to be (available), if he’s able to play some part in the tie. If he’s not ready, he’s not ready. He is doing all he can and the staff are doing all they can to make sure there is that opportunity.”

Meanwhile, both Morgan Gibbs-White and George Baldock appear to be available, whilst long-term absentees Rhian Brewster, Jayden Bogle, Oli McBurnie and Jack O’Connell all remain sidelined.

Sheffield United predicted XI

After a thumping 4-0 victory over Championship winners Fulham on the final day to secure a play-off spot, whether or not Heckingbottom will make changes to that side for today’s match is up for debate.

Here is how Football FanCast expects the Blades to line up against Nottingham Forest…

Sheffield United XI: Foderingham, Basham, Egan, Robinson, Baldock, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens, Berge, Gibbs-White, Ndiaye

With uncertainty as to whether or not Sharp will be fit to make the squad, we don’t expect the striker to be ready to start this afternoon.

The only change from the victory over Fulham comes at right-wing-back, with Baldock taking the place of Ben Osborn.

With the 29-year-old now appearing to be fully fit after only being able to make the bench last weekend, he returns to the starting line-up to make his first appearance in almost a month.

Labelled “superb” by BBC pundit Garth Crooks after a goal against Norwich City in the 2019/20 season, the £23k-per-week Englishman is a kingpin for the Blades and deserves to feature in their biggest match of the season so far.

The decision would arguably be harsh on Osborn, whose last goal for United came in a 3-2 victory at Barnsley in October, a game which the wing-back described as “mad”.

Having gone through the youth ranks at Nottingham Forest and joined the Blades from the Reds, the 27-year-old has had a solid season, making 34 appearances in the Championship.

However, being predominantly a left-sided player, Baldock pips the £2.2m-rated Derby native to a place in the starting lineup now that he is fit.

It’s a crunch game for both sides, who will be looking to get themselves one step closer to Wembley after today’s showdown at Bramall Lane.

AND in other news: This is the Forest predicted XI that FFC is forecasting

A major Newcastle United transfer claim has emerged on their interest in signing Philippe Coutinho this summer.

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed that the Magpies will make an offer to the Brazilian in the upcoming window if given the opportunity to do so.

He is currently on loan at Aston Villa from Barcelona and they will need to fight the Villans to land his signature ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Steven Gerrard still wants Villa to sign Coutinho, but Newcastle are watching this with interest.

“At the end of the month Villa have to tell Barcelona whether they intend to take up the option to buy him – and if they hesitate I’m told Newcastle will look to make a proposal to the player.”

PIF’s best deal yet

Bringing Coutinho in on a permanent deal in the summer would be PIF’s best piece of business so far since taking over the club in 2021.

They brought in a host of players in the January window to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad, including Dan Burn, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Kieran Trippier.

This deal, however, would be their biggest statement to date as they would be signing a top-class player in what should be the peak years of his career at the age of 29. He was previously valued at a whopping £135m by Transfermarkt and this shows how much potential he has.

The Brazilian would also come in with a wealth of Premier League experience. Coutinho has played 167 matches in the English top-flight throughout his career, scoring 45 goals and providing 40 assists as he has proven that he can regularly contribute in the final third.

In his last campaign for Liverpool, he averaged a phenomenal SofaScore rating of 8.01 across 14 matches in the division as he scored seven goals and provided six assists – creating 2.9 chances per game. If Newcastle can get him playing anywhere near this level then they will have an extremely special player on their hands.

He has proven his quality in England and still has plenty left to give at his age. This means that he would be a sublime signing for Eddie Howe’s team and one that would represent a major coup for PIF because of his pedigree.

It would send out a statement to other teams as it would show them that Newcastle mean business in the market and will be able to attract mercurial talents, like Coutinho.

AND in other news, Forget Dubravka: £23k-p/w NUFC lightweight who lost 75% duels let Howe down badly…

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has stated that Raphinha will be ‘available’ for this afternoon’s crucial clash with Brighton.

The Lowdown: Injury scare

The 25-year-old was replaced on Wednesday evening against Chelsea with what appeared to be a hamstring or a groin problem.

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Raphinha, the club’s top scorer with 10 league goals, had to be persuaded by Jesse Marsch to come off for Joe Gelhardt in what was another evening to forget at Elland Road.

Jack Harrison also went off injured and Dan James was sent off, adding to Leeds’ injury and suspension problems ahead of the final home game of the season against Graham Potter’s side.

The Latest: Hay’s post

Hay was present at Thorp Arch for Marsch’s pre-match press conference on Friday and relayed some important injury news on Twitter.

He said that Raphinha ‘will be available’, whereas Harrison was scheduled to train yesterday and Patrick Bamford is ‘still being assessed’.

The Verdict: Last Elland Road dance

Raphinha, who Noel Whelan labelled as ‘brilliant’ following his debut for Brazil, could well play his final game at Elland Road as a Whites player this afternoon.

That’s because it looks as if he will move to Barcelona regardless of what division Leeds find themselves in next season, with talks at an ‘advanced’ stage over a summer transfer to the Nou Camp, but he could play a key role in helping the Whites survive with a starring display this afternoon.

A third successive home defeat could prove fatal, and with attacking resources limited, Raphinha may have to drag Leeds out of the bottom three single-handedly.

In other news: Leeds want powerful 12-goal striker who is ‘ideal’ for the Championship

Leeds United assistant manager Franz Schiemer is unlikely to remain at Elland Road ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge, Joe Donnohue reports.

The Lowdown: Schiemer and Marsch

Marsch arrived at Leeds at the end of February, replacing Marcelo Bielsa with the aim of keeping the Whites in the Premier League.

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The American brought in both Cameron Toshack and Schiemer, with the latter previously working with Marsch for 94 games at RB Salzburg.

Leeds have picked up on the pitch under the new-look coaching team, taking 11 points from a possible 24, however, they are still in real danger of dropping down to the Championship with just four games remaining.

The Latest: Donnohue’s post

Leeds journalist Donnohue took to Twitter on Wednesday evening, sharing a story for The Yorkshire Evening Post, stating that it is ‘unlikely’ Schiemer will stay in Yorkshire beyond this season.

Donnohue added that Schiemer is set to return to Austria this summer, with his family not expected to make a permanent move to England.

The Verdict: Another?

It looks as if Marsch will lose star man Raphinha this summer, with the winger reportedly closing in on a move to Barcelona.

Exits may well not stop there on the pitch, with Kalvin Phillips also a man in demand, so this latest update on Schiemer isn’t ideal for the Leeds boss – the last thing he needs is a huge overhaul on and off the pitch.

Marsch even previously credited Schiemer with overseeing set-piece drills, an area where Leeds have improved in recent months.

Unfortunately, it looks as if the Austrian’s stay in Yorkshire will be a short-lived one, which could leave Marsch on the search for a new number two this summer.

In other news: Leeds want to sign ‘X-factor’ attacker despite possible relegation.