Alyssa Malonson 3 Soccer Vs Memphis 20210810 Sl29592 Edited — Aug 10, 2021; Auburn, AL, USA; Alyssa Malonson (3) during the match between Auburn and Memphis at Auburn Soccer Complex. (Shanna Lockwood / AU Athletics)

Alyssa Malonson was already the first Auburn soccer player to receive an invite to a U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) camp but the moment became even more special Wednesday night.

In the third match of a stretch of friendlies for the team, Malonson was called upon to start at left back against Argentina. It was her first official cap for her national team.

Keep reading to see all about Malonson’s debut + learn more about her career on The Plains.

USWNT vs. Argentina

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Malonson did not play in the first two matches of the international break but her name was called to start at left back. She helped the USWNT to a 3-0 win, helping the defense hold a clean sheet while also playing a role in the attack.

Here are some of Malonson’s key stats from the night:

70 minutes played
1 assist
40/45 passes completed
2 shots
4 defensive interceptions

The former Auburn star received an 8.0 match rating from ESPN.

Making Auburn soccer history

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Alyssa Malonson played a school-record 97 matches with Auburn, tallying four goals and 23 assists. She was the 2021 SEC Defender of the Year with the Tigers.

Malonson is the first Auburn woman to receive an invitation to compete for the full U.S. Women’s National Team.

“Super excited to see Alyssa earn her spot on the National Team. She has always put the work in, at Auburn, in the NWSL, she has just grown leaps and bounds. We could not be more proud of her. We can’t wait to cheer her and the Red, White and Blue on very soon!”
~ Karen Hoppa, Auburn coach

Malonson was drafted 20^th overall in the 2021 NWSL Draft but opted to return to Auburn for one more season.

After her college career, she spent two seasons with the Seattle Reign (formerly OL Reign) before being selected first overall in the 2024 NWSL Expansion Draft by Bay FC.

This season with Bay, Malonson has appeared in 20 of her club’s 24 matches and has earned the starting nod in 14 of them. She is also the first player in Bay’s short club history to appear for the USWNT.

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