The USWNT closed out the Group Stage round of the Paris Olympic Games on Wednesday against Australia.
USWNT picks up 3rd consecutive Olympic win
Controlling the match for nearly 90 minutes, the USWNT would narrowly escape with a 2-1 win. With the win, the USWNT finished first in Group B with a 3-0-0 record, nine points, and a +7 goal difference. With nine goals scored throughout the Group Stage, the USWNT has set a national team record for the most goals scored in an Olympic Group Stage.
The USWNT already qualified for the knockout stage on Sunday with a win over Germany. All the Americans needed on Wednesday was a win or a draw to clinch the top spot in Group B, and they ended up walking away with another three points.
Here is Wednesday’s match breakdown:
In the 4′, American midfielder Sam Coffey was given a yellow card. Coming into the match already with a yellow, Coffey will now miss the upcoming quarterfinal on Saturday. Being given a foul that you could argue if a yellow was warranted, Coffey’s absence in the quarterfinal will be a huge hit to the USWNT’s midfield.
Trinity Rodman presented a near-goal-scoring opportunity for the Americans in the 9′, but was denied by Australian keeper Mackenzie Arnold. Rodman cut inside from the right wing but Arnold kept solid focus on the ball.
Australia didn’t see its first shot until the 26′. Mary Fowler found her way into the box and found space to pull off a shot heading into the bottom right corner, but she just missed wide.
After the 35′, the Americans gained even more momentum to create scoring opportunities. Crystal Dunn attempted a strike from distance that was saved by Arnold in the 38′. Just two minutes later, Lindsey Horan got a hold of a header from Emily Fox but Arnold again was able to get her fingers on the ball and tip it onto the crossbar.
In the 43′, Rodman found the back of the net for her second goal of the tournament, giving the Americans a 1-0 lead. In a scramble in front of the net following a corner, Rodman was able to get her foot on a loose ball for an easy goal.
Sophia Smith nabbed the assist on Rodman’s goal, which meant that the duo had either scored or assisted in all of the USWNT’s group-stage games at the Paris Olympics. This is the first time a USWNT duo has done so since Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
After nearly five minutes of VAR review that was checking possible offsides from Coffey, Rodman’s goal stood.
The Americans were in complete control at the end of the first half. They dominated Australia in possession (78.3% to 21.7%), shots (7-0), and shot attempts (11-6). Credit was due to Arnold, who made six saves after constant offensive pressure from Emma Hayes’ side.
At the start of the second half, Crystal Dunn was subbed off in favor of Jenna Nighswonger. It seemed like a possibility that Rodman would be subbed to start the next 45 minutes to avoid a potential yellow card that would’ve kept her out of the next match, but Hayes decided to keep her on for the start.
Rodman was eventually subbed off in the 65′ for Lynn Williams. Rose Lavelle was subbed off for Korbin Albert, and Casey Krueger came on for Emily Fox.
After picking up a yellow card in the 67′, Albert scored an absolute screamer for her first ever international goal to double the lead. Just outside of the box, Albert let off a rocket that went into the top left corner.
Smith nearly tripled the lead in the 83′, but her shot hit both posts and somehow managed to stay out of the net.
In the first minute of the 90+7′, Australia managed to pull to within one. Defender Alanna Kennedy found the back of the net from the center of the box. Australia nearly tied the game just two minutes later. Kennedy again, she nearly evened things up but wasn’t able to connect on the cross.
The USWNT would escape with a 2-1 win, but Australia clawed their way back in stoppage time to create some late drama.
The Americans remain one of the favorites to win the gold medal, but manager Emma Hayes will need to expect more from her side moving forward after a tense final seven minutes.
Group B Final Standings:
United States: 9 points, +7 goal difference
Germany: 6 points, +3 goal difference
Australia: 3 points, -3 goal difference
Zambia: 0 points, -7 goal difference
Up Next
The USWNT will face Japan in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY
