After only 10 games with new head coach Emma Hayes, the USWNT have brought home their fifth Olympic gold medal and their first since 2012.
This tournament was a huge test for the Americans since their disappointing early exit in last year's World Cup. With a new head coach who had minimal time preparing the team, many did not have high expectations for these women. Despite the odds, they brought home another piece of hardware.
In the final against Brazil, the first half was in favor of Brazil. The Americans could have gone down 1-0 early in the game if it was not for an offsides call. The first half saw many mistakes and tired legs from the USWNT. As the second half started, the USA came out as a completely different team. The energy was high, there were more scoring chances, players were connecting and they looked like a team ready to win a gold medal. Mal Swanson scored the game-winning goal at the 57th minute mark.
The new era of the USWNT is driven by the dangerous trio of Swanson, Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman, also known as Triple Espresso, and backed defensively by Naomi Girma and Alyssa Naeher.
Swanson, Smith and Rodman were the most dangerous group of forwards in the tournament, ending with a total of 10 combined goals. Swanson ended with four goals, Smith and Rodman with three each.
Girma was the only US player to play every minute of the tournament, which never seemed to impact her playing ability. The 24-year old has a calm and collected demeanor while playing. Head coach Hayes believes she is the best defender she has ever seen. Naeher stood on her head and made multiple key saves in critical times, only giving up two goals the entire tournament.
The leadership of new head coach Hayes seems to have created a spark. The women seemed more motivated, driven and simply having more fun. Sometimes all it takes for a team to be successful is a new voice in the locker room, the right voice. Hayes has a history of being a successful coach and her time with the USWNT has just started.
The USWNT went undefeated throughout the entire tournament. They were able to win in different ways with some games won by multiple goals, while others were close and had to go to extra time to be won. But no matter what, the Americans always found a way.
This impressive run will put the USA back into the best team in the world conversation. They currently rank fifth in the world according to FIFA, the lowest they have ever been, but will be reevaluated for new rankings coming out August 16.
The Americans will have some time off before their friendly matches in late fall. Until then, the USWNT will soak in the feeling of being gold medalists.
