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After disappointing at the last two Olympics, the USA women are looking to redeem themselves in Paris, and that starts against Zambia. The USWNT has only failed to appear in the gold medal game twice. It just so happens to have been their two most recent Olympics.
To add to the poor results in major tournaments, the USWNT was a disaster at the Women’s World Cup last year. They turned in their worst-ever performance, falling in the Round of 16.
But they have the best coach in the world now, following the hiring of Emma Hayes. With a new coach and some new blood in the team, the US looks to redeem itself at this Olympics. They get started against Zambia.
Notable USWNT stars omitted from the squad
Emma Hayes has certainly shaken things up since taking the US job. Several of the biggest names for the USWNT are not going to the Olympics.
Becky Sauerbrunn is not going to Paris, despite having 219 caps. Catarina Macario played for Emma Hayes at Chelsea but did not make the final 18 due to injury. And biggest of all, Alex Morgan who amassed 123 goals in 224 appearances, will not be competing at the Games in France.
But there is still plenty of talent and experience on the roster. Alyssa Naeher in goal has 106 caps. Four of the six defenders have 50 or more caps (Emily Sonnett leads the way with 93). In the midfield, the duo of Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle each have over 100 caps and more than 20 goals. And up front, there is almost an embarrassment of riches between Crystal Dunn, Lynn Williams, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson making her major tournament return after she missed the Women’s World Cup with an injury.
Recent results
While they may not have gotten a send-off series last year, the USWNT got something akin to one this year. Since Emma Hayes took over the team, they have played four friendlies. Two of them were in wins against South Korea in June: 4-0 in Denver and 3-0 in St. Paul.
More recently was a pair of…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/olympics/usa-vs-zambia-uswnt-hunt-olympic-redemption-in-paris-2024/
Author : Lawrence Dockery
Publish date : 2024-07-24 23:00:00
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