USWNT Top Group B at the Olympics

The United States women’s national soccer team won all three group stage games to top Group B at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Heading into the tournament, there were questions surrounding the group’s ability to score goals. During the USWNT’s 0-0 draw against Costa Rica before the tournament, the U.S. had 26 shots and 16 corner kicks but failed to score.

However, the USWNT quickly dispelled these concerns at the Olympics, scoring nine goals over three games. The U.S. comfortably beat Zambia 3-0, Germany 4-1 and Australia 2-1. Germany were one of the favorites heading into the tournament, and the U.S. overpowered the top-5 world opponent.

The USWNT topped Group B with nine points and will face Japan in the quarterfinals on August 3 at 9 a.m. EST.

Front Three

Forwards Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson have made the headlines so far. The three players have scored seven of the team’s nine goals, beating defenders with both their pace and skill. 

Rodman has recently struggled to score goals in a U.S. shirt. In the previous 17 games before the Olympics, Rodman had only scored two goals for the USWNT. At the Olympics, Rodman already has two goals and 1 assist, beating opponent’s defenders with ease on the wings. 

Swanson missed the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with an injury, and her introduction to the front three has provided a constant attacking threat. Smith and Swanson often swap mid-game between the wing and striker position, and both players have provided several goals and assists in the group stage. 

Lineup Consistency 

For the first time in many years, USWNT fans can expect a consistent team lineup. Head coach Emma Hayes has made the least lineup changes at a major tournament since 2000. 

Midfielder Sam Coffey has solidified the defensive midfielder spot, a position that has been shaky for the U.S. since midfielder Julie Ertz retired. Hayes has also stuck with a backline of defenders Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox and Crystal Dunn, allowing them to create a stable defensive partnership.

Hayes will have to stray from this lineup in the quarterfinals. Coffey will miss the next game against Japan because of yellow card accumulation, and Davidson could remain out with an injury she sustained in the game against Germany. Defender Emily Sonnett stepped in comfortably at center back against Germany and Australia, and midfielder Korbin Albert can drop into the 6 position, but the U.S. will hope to avoid many other major changes to the lineup.

Knockout Stage Outlook

The U.S. defeated Japan 2-1 in the SheBelieves Cup in April. The USWNT has only lost once to Japan in its entire history, but Japan did defeat the U.S. in the 2011 World Cup final on penalties. Japan is a highly skilled team, but the U.S. attack has been so dangerous at the Olympics that the front line may prove too difficult to contain for Japan’s defense.
Other teams to reach the knockout stage include Spain, France and Brazil. Canada, the reigning Olympic champions, also reached the quarterfinals despite being deducted six points for cheating with a drone ahead of its game against New Zealand. The USWNT is set to face tough competition in the knockout rounds, but the stellar performances have shown that the team is already improving under Hayes as a medal contender.

Keep up with The Game Haus for further coverage on the USWNT.

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