The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) won the Olympic gold medal on Saturday, beating Brazil.
The South Americans initially came out of the gate on top, collecting the majority of possession and having the better chances. The first half was undoubtedly the USWNT’s toughest test of the entire tournament.
Nevertheless, the Americans eventually settled into the game and scored the lone goal in the second period.
After failing to convert her team’s best chance of the match in the 51st minute, Mallory Swanson scored a stunning solo goal six minutes later.
A great through ball from Korbin Albert created the scoring opportunity. The midfielder played in Swanson as she raced towards goal out on the left flank.
Swanson collected possession near the edge of Brazil’s box and placed a perfect shot into the back of the net. Swanson’s goal marked her 100th total appearance with the USWNT.
While Swanson scored the goal, Sophia Smith played a major part in the eventual match-winner.
The forward could have also collected the pass from Albert, as she was free on goal as well. However, aware that she was likely offside, Smith allowed Swanson to take possession of the ball.
The intelligent decision basically saved an offside call that would have kept the match scoreless.
USWNT’s defense has been exceptional since Hayes took over
Outside of the goal itself, USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher played a crucial part in keeping the clean sheet. With Brazil outplaying the Americans early on, the shot-stopper made a huge sprawling save to deny a goal just before the halftime break. Naeher then also stuck out a firm hand to keep another potential goal out of the back of the net later in added time.
Swanson, Smith, and Trinity Rodman have rightly received most of the attention in the USWNT at the Olympics.
Nevertheless, the team’s defense was undeniably a key part of their success. In fact, the Stars and Stripes did not…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/olympics/swansons-solo-goal-propels-uswnt-to-olympic-gold-medal/
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-08-10 18:12:15
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