The Football Ferns received another harsh lesson from the United States, dismantled 6-0 in a one-sided international friendly in Kansas City, Missouri.
New Zealand's miserable record against the world's second-ranked powerhouse side continued, conceding three goals in each half to end their tour of their Americas on a low note.
Coming into the game with twin losses against Mexico, the 33rd-ranked Football Ferns were heavy underdogs and they never threatened any sort of boilover at CPKC Stadium, conceding goals at regular intervals, including a hat-trick to forward Emma Sears.
It means New Zealand have conceded 26 goals and scored just one in their last five meetings with the US, dating back to the 2020 Olympics.
Overall, in 22 clashes between the sides, the US have won 20, with the Football Ferns securing one draw and a solitary victory, in 1987.
The Football Ferns make six changes from the side that lost their second match 2-0 to Mexico on Monday, Liz Anton, Mackenzie Barry, Manaia Elliott, Annalie Longo, Milly Clegg, and Katie Kitching brought into the starting side.
However, the home team began strongly, dominating possession and dictating the game's tempo from the outset, pinning the visitors in their defensive third - a pattern that was to continue for much of the 90 minutes.
Deven Jackson of New Zealand (L) contests possession with a United States opponent during their friendly international. Photo: www.photosport.nz
The floodgates opened in the eighth minute when Racing Louisville striker Sears slid in to complete a slick move.
Catarina Macario and captain Rose Lavelle both found the net before the interval.
New Zealand coach Michael Mayne made three changes at halftime - introducing Lara Wall, Kelli Brown and Emma Pijnenburg before other switches as the second half wore on.
There were signs of improvement, with a handful of short spells on attack and balls sent into the box.
However, the visitors they couldn't stem the scoreline, with Macario scoring her second goal and Sears completing her hatrick when she reacted quickly in the penalty box in the 84th minute to round out the scoring.
Related
 
     
    