The United States women’s national soccer team entered the 2024 Paris Olympics with a new coach and a retooled roster. Its track record at the biggest recent international tournaments had been underwhelming. Question marks abounded.
The U.S. defeated Brazil 1-0 on Saturday to stand back on top of the Olympic podium for the first time in 12 years. Mallory Swanson, part of head coach Emma Hayes’ new front three along with Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman, scored the game-winner in the 57th minute. Korbin Albert, inserted by Hayes into the starting lineup for the final, set her up with a timely through ball.
“I’ve always had belief. I’ve said before, winning is in my DNA,” Hayes said after the game. “… They’ve impressed me immensely, these players.”
Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher’s one-handed save on a header by Adriana in the fourth minute of stoppage time saved the day. And she was unflappable all match.
Brazil came out as the aggressor and the U.S. relied on Naeher to quell the attack. The final stat sheet said she made four saves. It felt like 14, and every one was huge – none more than her stop in stoppage time of the first half on Gabi Portihlo kept the match scoreless. Defender Naomi Girma continued to be something of a brick wall on the backline.
Although the first half ended with them on their heels, the Americans flipped the script early in the second. They fended off Brazil’s desperation the rest of the way and when the referee blew the final whistle, arms went up, hugs were given, and the celebration was on for the Olympic champions.
Emma Hayes sends message with Olympic gold medal
Emma Hayes may not call herself a miracle worker, but it’s hard to think of a better description.
By winning the Olympic gold medal Saturday – its fifth, for those keeping track – the U.S. women’s national team sent a message to the rest of the world that last summer’s World Cup debacle, and the sluggishness at the Tokyo Games, were aberrations. There is still work to be done, to quote one of Hayes’ favorite mantras, but they are very much back on the right track.
And Hayes has officially been on the job for just three months. Give her another three years, which is when the next World Cup is, and the USWNT is likely again to be the standard by which the rest of the world is measured.
Mallory Swanson goal vs. Brazil
Welcome to the Summer of Mal. Mallory Swanson gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead in the 57th minute on a signature run down the left side. Korbin Albert, starting in place of Rose Lavelle, delivered the through ball for either Sophia Smith or Swanson. Smith would have likely been ruled offside if she touched it. But Swanson swooped in and made a beeline for the net, and her right-footed blast beat Brazil’s keeper Lorena to break the scoreless tie.
US women’s soccer Olympic gold medals
If it’s an Olympics, you can find the U.S. women’s national team on the medals podium. The Americans have won five golds at the Olympics (1996, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2024), more than any other team, and also have a silver from Sydney in 2000 and a bronze from Tokyo. Do the math, and that means the USWNT has won a medal at every Olympics except 2016. Oh, and another fun fact? Three of the USWNT’s golds have come after playing Brazil in the final in both 2004 and 2008.
USWNT Olympic wins
The USWNT is 33-7-4 all-time at the Olympics, including four gold medals, won in 1996, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2024.
USWNT starting lineup vs Brazil
There’s a big surprise in the USWNT lineup for the Olympic final against Brazil: No Rose Lavelle in the starting lineup. Lavelle has started each of the previous five games in the tournament. But she was replaced in the lineup by Korbin Albert. Lavelle is not injured, and is available as a sub. The rest of the lineup remains unchanged:
- Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher
- Defenders: Crystal Dunn, Tierna Davidson, Naomi Girma, Emily Fox
- Midfielders: Korbin Albert, Lindsey Horan, Sam Coffey
- Forwards: Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman
This game will be the 100th appearance for Swanson, who has fully recovered from a devastating knee injury last year. Available subs: Casey Krueger, Lynn Williams, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett, Jaedyn Shaw, Rose Lavelle, Casey Murphy.
Mallory Swanson’s 100th cap
Mallory Swanson is the 44th player in team history to reach the 100-cap milestone.
USWNT schedule Olympics
Here are all the games the U.S. women have played at the Paris Olympics.
- July 25: USWNT 3, Zambia 0
- July 28:USWNT 4, Germany 1
- July 31:USWNT 2, Australia 0
- Aug. 3:USWNT 1, Japan 0
- Aug. 6: USWNT 1, Germany 0
USWNT vs. Brazil Olympic history
- The USWNT and Brazil have some history at the Olympics. The teams faced each other in the final in both 2004 and 2008, with the USWNT winning each time. Although no one from those USWNT teams is left, Brazilian icon Marta played in both games. Brazil scored one goal in those two games, by Pretinha in 2004.
Source: USAtoday.com
