Sophia Smith netted two goals, leading the United States to a 4-1 victory over Germany and securing a spot in the quarter-finals at the Paris Olympics on Sunday night.
Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams also contributed goals for the Americans, who previously triumphed over Zambia with a score of 3-0 in their opening match.
This tournament marks the US team’s first major competition under new head coach Emma Hayes, who assumed her role in late May. Hayes is focused on guiding the team as they aim to move past the disappointment of last summer’s Women’s World Cup, where they exited in the round of 16.
The US holds the record as the most successful team in Olympic history, boasting four gold medals. They earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo Games under former coach Vlatko Andonovski, who resigned after a lackluster performance at the 2023 World Cup.
Under Hayes, the US has displayed a strong performance in six matches, appearing more like a team poised for another gold rather than one in need of a rebuild following their premature World Cup exit.
Sunday’s victory showcased the most comprehensive performance of Hayes’s tenure so far. In earlier games, the team leaned on a strong defense and moments of individual brilliance. However, the win against Germany signaled a team fully embracing the coach’s strategies. Hayes maintained the same starting eleven from the opener against Zambia, setting up her squad to dominate midfield play. From the outset, the US controlled the tempo and began creating scoring opportunities.
Smith opened the scoring just ten minutes into the match, connecting with a cross from Trinity Rodman and sending the ball past German goalkeeper Katrin-Ann Berger.
Early on, the US held possession, manipulating Germany’s midfield with clever movement and precise passing. However, Giulia Gwinn equalized in the 22nd minute with a low shot from outside the penalty area that slipped past diving US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
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Following the equalizer, Germany attempted to match the US in midfield, but this strategy often left their defenders vulnerable, facing a three-on-three situation against the formidable US front line of Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson. Capitalizing on the space, the US forwards seized the opportunity.
Swanson restored the lead for the United States in the 26th minute. After Smith’s long-range effort was punched away by Berger, Swanson capitalized on the rebound to score. With this goal, Swanson became the second US player to score three goals in an Olympic group stage, joining Abby Wambach.
Smith netted her second goal in the 44th minute, executing a high shot that struck the far post before bouncing into the net.
Williams, coming off the bench, sealed the game with the final goal in the 89th minute, prompting fans in Marseille to chant “USA! USA!” as the match concluded.
US defender Tierna Davidson exited the match due to injury, replaced by Emily Sonnett.
For Germany, Alexandra Popp left the field in the 76th minute with what seemed to be a right leg injury, adding to the challenge for a team already missing midfielder Lena Oberdorf.
The US will face Australia in Marseille to finish off group play, while Germany, having defeated Australia 3-0 in their Olympic opener, will take on Zambia in Saint-Etienne.
