The Paris Olympics concluded over the weekend, and the USWNT regained its place atop the premier tournament on Saturday after winning its fifth gold medal. USWNT forward Mallory Swanson scored the game’s only goal in the 57th minute to lead the team to a 1-0 victory over Brazil.
At the 2024 Olympics, the United States never trailed and became the first women’s team in tournament history to fail to win in all three knockout rounds.
Adjustments in the second half secured USWNT victory
Brazil seemed to be the better of the two teams in the first half, bypassing the USWNT midfield and pressuring their defense with probing, vertical play. Ludmila, a recent signing from the Chicago Red Stars, wreaked havoc in the USWNT defense and would have scored the game’s first goal had she not been ruled offside.
The USA held a 0-0 tie until halftime and then fought their way back into the game. A good pass from Korbin Albert finally broke the Brazilian defense and put Swanson on goal.
USA’s winning streak at the World Cup continues
The victory represents a monumental comeback after a disappointing 2023 World Cup – and is also a first indication of new coach Emma Hayes’ future with the team.
To date, the USWNT has always won one – but never both – of the two major titles in the international women’s soccer cycle, continuing its streak of Olympic gold in the year following its World Cup defeat.
As for Hayes, the new boss has posted a 9-0-1 record in her first 10 games with the USWNT, which has had an immediate positive impact on the team’s ability to perform on the world’s biggest stage.
Joy adds caffeine to the USWNT front line
The USWNT’s “Triple Espresso” forward trio of Swanson, Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman each contributed at least three goals to the USA’s 12-goal Olympic record, including one goal each in the knockout round victory.
Frenchwoman Marie-Antoinette Katoto finished the tournament as top scorer with a total of five goals, followed by Swanson with four goals.
“I think the most important thing, as you probably hear, is that we’re playing with joy,” Swanson told reporters after the game. “We’re having so much fun. I’m just so happy.”
Hayes, who joined the team in May, echoed Swanson’s sentiments, saying, “I’m so excited about what we can accomplish together. It’s been 75 days, baby!”
