The last time the United States women’s soccer team competed in a major tournament, they faced disappointment. After winning the previous two World Cup tournaments, the USWNT was eliminated in the round of 16. Seeking redemption, the team kicked off their Olympic campaign with a strong 3-0 victory over Zambia in Paris.
In their Olympic opener, Trinity Rodman made her mark by scoring the first goal in the 17th minute. Mallory Swanson quickly followed with two goals in the 24th minute, putting the United States in a commanding position. Zambia’s chances were further diminished when Pauline Zulu received a red card in the 33rd minute, reducing their team to 10 players for the remainder of the match.
Despite the convincing win, player Mallory Swanson acknowledged that there are still areas for improvement in their game. She emphasized the importance of fine-tuning their play and continuing to grow as a team. Head coach Emma Hayes expressed satisfaction with the 3-0 victory, considering it a step in the right direction for the team.
The USWNT’s early exit from the Women’s World Cup in the round of 16, where they were defeated by Sweden on penalty kicks, was a devastating blow. Following the loss, the team’s manager resigned, signaling a period of transition for the squad. Looking ahead, the United States will face Germany in their next Olympic match, with a chance to secure a spot in the knockout stage with a win.
As the team progresses through the Olympic tournament, they will aim to build on their strong start and work towards achieving their goal of capturing Olympic gold. Stay tuned for more updates on the USWNT’s journey in Paris and beyond.