16 year old Lily Yohannes Shines in US Women’s Team Victory Against South Korea

The Youngest player since 2001 at only 16.

In a match that will undoubtedly be remembered, 16-year-old soccer phenom Lily Yohannes made a stunning international debut, scoring in the US women’s team’s 3-0 victory over South Korea on Tuesday. Yohannes, who plays for Dutch club Ajax, was introduced as a substitute in the second half and made an immediate impact, netting a goal just 10 minutes after coming on. Her goal, which capped off a well-executed corner routine in the 82nd minute, marked her as the third-youngest player to score for the US women’s team.

Lily Yohannes is 16 years old, youngest USWNT player since 2001.

Just scored in first game and it wasn’t even her best play. She’s ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/gqziGdocmC

— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) June 5, 2024

The emotional celebration that followed her goal showed just how much the moment meant to her. Surrounded by her teammates, Yohannes was visibly moved, describing the experience as a dream come true. “I played this scenario out in my head, like, how many times before this game? Just having the idea of coming on and scoring,” she said in her post-match interview. “My team’s incredible support in coming up to me added an extra nice touch to the whole thing. I’m just really happy, really excited.”

That’s a wrap on Emma Hayes’ first @uswnt friendlies pic.twitter.com/W7BqIG1wpX

— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) June 5, 2024

Yohannes’ debut was the result of careful consideration by new US manager Emma Hayes, who has been impressed with the young midfielder during the latest training camp. “She doesn’t look like a 16-year-old,” Hayes remarked after the match. “She knows what I think about her. I’ve been pushing hard for her to join this squad.”

Born in Virginia, Yohannes moved to the Netherlands with her family in 2017. Her soccer talents quickly caught the eye of Ajax, a club known for developing young talent. It wasn’t long before she was integrated into the first team, and in November last year, she made history by becoming the youngest player to start a Women’s Champions League group stage game.

Hayes believes Yohannes’ experience in Europe has been pivotal to her rapid development. “. She is an excellent footballer who is confident in her abilities. think playing in Europe has helped, has accelerated her,” Hayes added. “She’s had exposures that many American 16-year-olds have not had, and it shows. Even at such a young age, there was an air of maturity.”

Her goal was amazing but this ball and vision from Lily Yohannes, too… why have we had her on the bench, lol. #USWNT pic.twitter.com/7Iizsuj8PI

— mikasa (@mikasa22) June 5, 2024

The match against South Korea was already going well for the US team, with goals from Crystal Dunn and Sophia Smith putting the team in a strong position. Yohannes’ strike was the perfect finish to an already successful night. The victory marked Hayes’ second win in her first two games as the US manager, both against South Korea.

Hayes is now looking to usher in a new era for the four-time Women’s World Cup winners, following a disappointing performance in the last tournament where the team failed to reach the semifinals for the first time in history. Yohannes is expected to be an integral part of this new chapter.

The young midfielder’s journey from Virginia to the international stage is a testament to her talent and dedication. Her performance on Tuesday not only highlights her potential but also the promise of a bright future for the US women’s team. As Yohannes continues to grow and develop, both in her club career and international duties, fans can look forward to more memorable moments from this young star.

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RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News