The U.S. women’s national soccer team made a strong statement in their opening match at the Paris Olympics with a 3-0 victory over Zambia. Despite early exits in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the team showed confidence and determination on the field.
Trinity Rodman opened the scoring in the 17th minute, followed by Mallory Swanson’s quick brace to secure the lead. Zambia faced additional challenges when Pauline Zulu received a red card, reducing their team to 10 players for the remainder of the game. The U.S. defense successfully contained Zambia’s star players, Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji.
Although the U.S. team dominated the first half, they were unable to extend their lead despite the player advantage. The victory was crucial for coach Emma Hayes in her competitive debut with the squad, especially considering the tough competition ahead against Germany and Australia.
One of the standout moments of the match was Rodman’s goal, breaking her scoring drought for the national team. Swanson’s two goals highlighted her resilience after overcoming a serious knee injury that kept her out of last year’s World Cup. The fluidity of Hayes’ front line was evident in Swanson’s performance from a central position.
Looking ahead, the USWNT will face Germany in their next group stage match. Despite the quick turnaround, the team should be well-rested with strategic substitutions made during the Zambia game. While they aim to capitalize on more goal-scoring opportunities, the victory over Zambia provides momentum for the upcoming match.
The U.S. team’s strong start in the Paris Olympics sets a positive tone for their campaign as they strive to reclaim their place among the world’s best. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive performance from the USWNT in the remaining matches of the tournament.