Sports 5 months ago

US Women Win 2-1 Against Australia, Reach Olympic Soccer Quarterfinals

US women's soccer team reaches Olympic quarterfinals with 2-1 win over Australia. Unbeaten in group stage, faces Japan next.

The US women's soccer team secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with an unbeaten record, following a 2-1 victory over Australia. Trinity Rodman scored just before half-time, converting a header from Sophia Smith. Later, Korbin Albert doubled the lead with a powerful long-range shot. Although Alanna Kennedy scored a late goal for Australia, it wasn't enough to change the outcome.

The US team won all three of its group stage matches, topping Group B with nine points. The next opponent for the USWNT is Japan.

Historically, the US women's team has been one of the most successful in Olympic soccer since their debut in 1996, winning four gold medals, including three consecutive wins from 2004 to 2012. However, they haven't won a gold medal since 2012, being eliminated in the quarterfinals by Sweden in 2016 and taking the bronze in Tokyo three years ago. They also exited early in the round of 16 at last year's World Cup after winning back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2019.

Sophia Smith runs with the ball against Australia.

Under new head coach Emma Hayes, who is leading the team at a major tournament for the first time, there is renewed hope. Hayes' squad won their first two group games, scoring seven goals and conceding just one, securing their quarterfinal spot with a game to spare.

The team's attacking trio, consisting of Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Rodman, has been crucial, contributing to all seven of the USWNT's goals heading into the match against Australia.

Smith and Rodman teamed up for the opening goal against Australia, with Smith heading the ball down for Rodman to score. The US dominated the game, with Lindsey Horan nearly adding another goal with a close-range header that hit the bar. Albert sealed the victory with a stunning goal from outside the box. Despite a late goal from Kennedy, the US maintained their perfect record and finished as Group B winners.

The only drawback was an early yellow card for midfielder Sam Coffey, which means she will miss the quarterfinal game.