Goals from Christen Press and Lynn Williams at the end of each half ensured that the first match at the new Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, ended in victory for Vlatko Andonovski’s side.
The scoreline could’ve taken on a more emphatic look when Press’ strike deflected into the net off teammate Megan Rapinoe, but the celebrations of the 20,500-strong crowd were cut short by the offside flag after the half hour.
It was far from one way traffic though, and Dahlkemper had to be at her typically assured best to help her home nation complete an astonishing 56th successive match on home soil without defeat.
The Nigeria clash took on extra significance for the City defender beyond the result and performance, as she played in front of her husband, Austin FC’s Aaron Schoenfeld, for the first time since their marriage in early January.
Dahlkemper joined City soon after their wedding in January and, considering the ongoing travel restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve been unable to spend the majority of married life together.
Andonovski now has the unenviable task of choosing his 18-strong squad for this summer’s Olympic Games, with the World Champions pitting their wits against Sweden, Australia and New Zealand in Group G.
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They will be particularly keen to gain revenge on the Swedes who, at the previous Olympics in Brazil, triumphed in their quarter-final clash on penalties.
Before the tournament gets underway, the US will lock horns with Mexico in a Send-Off Series on 1 July in Hartford, Connecticut.
