By The Associated Press
By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports Writer
WASHINGTON 鈥 Just playing for the U.S. national team was a big opportunity for Claire Hutton.
Then Canada left her a bit too much space at the edge of the 6-yard box 鈥 and Rose Lavelle found her with a perfect corner kick. The 19-year-old midfielder was ready.
Hutton headed home her first international goal, and the Americans easily dispatched Canada, 3-0, in an exhibition match on Wednesday for their fifth straight victory. Sam Coffey and Yazmeen Ryan also scored.
鈥淪et pieces are something we focus on. It鈥檚 what we talk about,鈥 Hutton said. 鈥淎t the international level, it鈥檚 what sets teams apart, especially in big tournaments. So being able to get my head on Rose鈥檚 perfect ball there was just amazing. Hoping for more in the future.鈥
The Americans have won five straight exhibition games by a combined score of 18-0 since their 2-1 loss to Brazil in early April. The 19-year-old Hutton was making her sixth appearance for the national team, and her goal in the 36th minute gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead.
鈥淚t鈥檚 just amazing. To wear this jersey, wear this badge, it weighs a lot. I know the history behind it,鈥 said Hutton, who plays for the NWSL鈥檚 Kansas City Current. 鈥淲e talked about the U.S. legacy this past week. Just knowing that I get to be a part of it, it means the world to me.鈥
U.S. coach Emma Hayes gave many of her Europe-based options a break for this stretch of three games in seven days, which also included two 4-0 victories over Ireland. That left opportunities for less experienced players like Hutton.
鈥淎s I鈥檝e said many times, I鈥檓 all about improving the whole ecosystem. I think more opportunities for more players with the national team will improve the NWSL,鈥 Hayes said. 鈥淏ecause it gives players hope and belief that if they perform, that they鈥檙e going to get an opportunity.鈥
The U.S. opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Lavelle delivered a free kick into the penalty area from near the left sideline. Canada鈥檚 Janine Sonis tried to head clear, but the ball fell to Avery Patterson and then bounced to Coffey about 9 yards from the goal.
Both Coffey and Patterson stabbed at the ball, and both appeared to make contact with it. It went straight into the net. Coffey was credited with the goal and Patterson with an assist.
鈥淚 will give her full credit for that. I did not touch it at all,鈥 Patterson said, not entirely believably. 鈥淚 laid it up for her on a platter.鈥
Claudia Dickey, who also shut out Ireland in her international debut last Thursday, stopped a shot from in close by Canada鈥檚 Jordyn Huitema shortly after Coffey鈥檚 goal. But the Americans created far more chances.
Canada coach Casey Stoney called her team鈥檚 performance 鈥渋nexcusable鈥 and said her players鈥 fitness wasn鈥檛 good enough.
鈥淎 lack of commitment and desire, which is not this team,鈥 she said. 鈥淟osing draws, losing 50-50s, not getting up to the ball, not pressing 鈥 it鈥檚 not good enough. I鈥檓 not going to hide away from it.鈥
Lavelle received a standing ovation when she was subbed out around the midway point of the second half. The crowd also gave a big cheer when Tara McKeown 鈥 who plays locally for the Washington Spirit 鈥 came on as a late sub for the U.S. McKeown assisted on Ryan鈥檚 goal in the 89th minute.
The U.S. plays friendlies against South Korea on Sept. 6 in Harrison, New Jersey, and against Japan on Sept. 9 in Columbus, Ohio.