Yahoo Sports 2024 Olympics: USWNT get first competitive win under Emma Hayes
In a convincing three-goal victory, Emma Hayes’ squad took all three points from their meeting with Zambia. Goals from Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman got the USWNT Olympics campaign off to a dream start.
Last time out
The previous Tokyo Olympics proved to be a very different story for the USWNT and Zambia. The US suffered defeat in the semi-finals against Canada. However, the tournament saw them beat Australia in a 4-3 thriller, which earned them a bronze medal.
Zambia failed to make it out of a tough group that consisted of China, the Netherlands and Brazil. Barbra Banda — now of Orlando Pride — put herself into the headlines during this tournament, following hattricks against both the Netherlands and China.
Before the Olympics, the USWNT hadn’t lost in nine matches, while Zambia failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven games.
The buildup
Both teams were asked many questions in the lead-up to this tournament. It is the first international competition to not feature Alex Morgan since 2008. The 35-year-old striker, who has netted 123 goals for her country, was not selected by new manager Emma Hayes.
Hayes also suffered bad news when Catarina Macario had to pull out of the squad due to knee irritation following an ACL rupture in 2022. Lynn Williams received the call-up to replace her. Similarly, youngster Jaedyn Shaw was also unavailable.
Pending FIFA investigations regarding sexual misconduct, Zambia coach Bruce Mwape will not be allowed any form of private contact with his players.
Starting XIs
United States
Naeher; Dunn, Davidson, Girma, Fox, Coffey, Horan (Sonnett, 65′), Lavelle (Albert, 45′), Smith (Williams, 43′), Swanson (Krueger, 65′), Rodman (Nighswonger, 65′).
Zambia
Musole; Tembo, Mweemba, Zulu, Siamfuko, H. Chanda, Chilfuya (Muchinga, 37′), G. Chanda (Chitundu, 37′), Kundananji, Banda, Mupopo
How it went
The game’s first chance came in just the first minute as Emily Fox dribbled through the Copper Queen’s defense and passed to Lindsey Horan. The US captain’s effort drifted just wide of the target.
Rodman hit the crossbar minutes later, as did Smith’s header in the 14th minute. Horan’s follow-up effort was headed off the line in an excellent display of last-ditch defending.
After many chances, Rodman opened the scoring as she spun the defence and slotted the ball home. Seven minutes later, the US doubled their advantage as Swanson took the ball around the keeper and buried it in the top corner — Horan’s second assist.
Seconds later, Swanson found herself on the scoreboard again, breaking the USWNT record for two goals by a single player in a major tournament.
Following an on-field VAR review in the 33rd minute, Pauline Zulu — who was the last defender — saw red after fouling Sophia Smith.
Moments before half-time, Smith left the field after an apparent ankle injury, which Hayes and US fans will hope is not serious.
Zambia improved in the second half, finding more space and generating some chances of their own. Banda got her first shot on target in the 63rd minute, but Alyssa Naeher easily stopped the near post attempt.
Racheal Kundananji of Bay FC found herself in space in the 80th minute. However, like most of their efforts today, Naeher easily saved Kundananji’s shot.
Who is up next?
Team USA will hope to build on their stellar performance tonight with a win against Germany on Sunday. Meanwhile, Zambia will look to get their first win in the Olympics against Australia earlier that day. Both matches can be viewed via Discovery+ in the UK and Peacock in the US.
