USWNT win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics

With a new head coach and nine first-time Olympians, the United States women’s national team take home gold at the Paris Olympics on August 10, 2024. Mallory Swanson made the lone goal against Brazil in the 57th minute.

Mallory Swanson playing at Audi Field in D.C. for the Olympic Send Off Match against Costa Rica on July 16, 2024. The game ended in a 0-0 tie. (Taneen Momeni/Half Moon Magazine)

This major win comes after the team exited the 2023 World Cup in the round of 16, marking their earliest exit at a World Cup. Many have questioned the USWNT’s power and prestige since their loss, but the Olympic performance has put them back at the top of the FIFA Women’s World Ranking. Additionally, this was new Head Coach Emma Hayes’ first major tournament with the USWNT, and it is the team’s fifth Olympic gold medal.

Trinity Rodman (5) dribbles with the ball at Audi Field in D.C. for the Olympic Send Off Match against Costa Rica on July 16, 2024. The game ended in a 0-0 tie. (Taneen Momeni/Half Moon Magazine)

Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith, also known as Triple Espresso, have shined in this tournament. The trio in total scored 10 of the 12 USA goals in this tournament and had 5 assists.

Sophia Smith (11) launches the ball in Costa Rica’s box at Audi Field in D.C. for the Olympic Send Off Match on July 16, 2024. The game ended in a 0-0 tie. (Taneen Momeni/Half Moon Magazine)

Naomi Girma and Alyssa Naeher were also major players in this Olympics. With her performance, Girma is being praised as one of the best defenders in women’s soccer. Most notably, she completed 105 passes in one half against Japan, according to Olympic news, which is the “most successful pass by any player in a knockout-round match.” Naeher also had some miraculous saves in the semi-final and final, both extremely important and ultimately allowed for the USWNT to win the gold.