The USWNT are ready to prove to the world they are still a powerhouse.
Their Olympic journey begins on July 25 against Zambia. They then will take on Germany and Australia in the following games of the group stage.
Despite having the earliest exit of USWNT history in the World Cup last year, USA looks to bounce back and confirm it was a fluke. Everything about the women’s team this year is different. A coaching change brought changes to the roster and the mentality.
Long time head coach of Chelsea F.C. Women, Emma Hayes was brought in looking to change the dynamic of the team. Hayes’ coaching resume speaks for itself when wondering why she was the one who would replace ex-head coach Vlatko Andovoski. In 367 games coached for Chelsea, they won 261, tied 42, and lost 64, giving her an impressive win percentage of 71.12%.
Hayes was inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame after winning seven championships with Chelsea and being named Manager of the Year six times.
Coming into the USWNT, Hayes was not afraid to challenge players and made decisions fans may not like. The biggest decision Hayes has made so far was excluding super star and USWNT legend, Alex Morgan from the Olympic roster. With young stars like Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Mal Swanson, the ultimate decision was there will be no room for Morgan.
Hayes has coached four games with the USWNT ahead of the Olympics, in which she has won three and tied the other. They have scored eight goals and conceded none.
The roster looks to be one of the best they have had in recent years. One of the big issues in previous tournaments was keeping veteran, but aging players on the roster instead of including up and coming star players. Hayes put an end to that by selecting players she thinks deserve to be there, no matter what age.
Goalkeepers: Casey Murphy, Alyssa Naeher
Defenders: Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett
Midfielders: Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Lynn Williams
Forwards: Crystal Dunn, Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson
Only eight players from the previous Olympics are making a return on the USWNT’s roster. Times are changing for the USA with a wave of fresh, new, young players making their debuts.
Heading into the Olympics this year, the USWNT holds the record for most medals of any country in women’s soccer. Since its introduction in 1996 they have medalled in every Olympics except one, securing four gold medals – more than any other country – along with one silver and one bronze medal.
Will USA be able to bring back the powerhouse status and bring home another gold medal?
