Ertz and Naeher earn start in 13-goal win for U.S. WNT

CHICAGO — The United States Women’s National Team defeated Thailand 13-0 on Tuesday to begin their quest for a fourth World Cup title, the biggest margin of victory in World Cup history.

Chicago Red Stars captain Julie Ertz and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher started the match for the defending champions. Naeher pitched a shutout in a goal in her first World Cup appearance and her 25th clean sheet for the national team. Ertz helped keep Thailand scoreless before being subbed off in the 69th minute.

Feeling good here.#USATHA | #OneNationOneTeam pic.twitter.com/sFC3MUAaxc

— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) June 11, 2019

The United States entered halftime with a 3-0 lead before the floodgates opened and they went on to score 10 more goals in the second half. Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Horan, Samantha Mewis, Megan Rapinoe, Mallory Pugh, and Carli Lloyd all got on the scoresheet while Alex Morgan led the team in scoring with 5 goals and 2 assists.

Next up for the United States is a matchup with Group F opponents Chile who lost to Sweden in their first game 2-0. The game is scheduled to be played on Sunday, June 16 at 11:00 a.m. C.T.

The Chicago Red Stars front office will be at watch parties throughout the Chicagoland area, including a presence at the U.S. Soccer Watch Party in Wrigleyville, Timmy O’Tooles, and throughout the suburbs.