The Golden Comeback

Twelve years after their last victory at the London Olympics, the US women’s national soccer team has returned to their winning ways. 

Under the new leadership of former Chelsea FC manager, Emma Hayes, the team won gold after defeating Brazil 1-0 at the Parc des Princes in Paris. A goal from Mallory Swanson in the 58th minute sealed their victory and the team was able to prevent Brazil from scoring an equalizer. 

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This time last year, the team failed to make it past the Round of 16 in the Women’s World Cup, and it raised several questions about whether their period of domination had ended and was unlikely to return. Changes were certainly made: Hayes took over the role of coach, Megan Rapinoe hung up her boots, and Alex Morgan was notably left off the Olympic roster. These changes have paid off as the team has earned their place at the top once again. 

The Olympics have always been crucial for national women’s teams because they are one of the few tournaments where they can play - which isn’t the same for the men’s game. Many would argue that the Olympic Games hold the same significance as the World Cup, highlighting how incredible this feat is for the USWNT.

On the podium, captain Lindsey Horan turned to striker Sophia Smith and said, “Imagine what we can do now and in the next two and a half years before the World Cup.”  

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The standout player of the competition was undeniably Naomi Girma. Hayes has described her as the best defender she has ever seen, and others will absolutely feel the same way after seeing her performance throughout the Olympics. Alongside playing every single minute of every match, the former Stanford player decisively led the defensive line using her intelligence to read the game so well that it propelled her team to victory. 

On the opposing side, the iconic Marta has played what is likely to be her last Olympic match, but Brazil’s loss does not diminish her achievements in any way. She has inspired female soccer players for decades, including the ones on the team that she was playing against. 

USWNT legends Tobin Heath and Ali Kreiger cheered the team on in the stands. Megan Rapinoe even managed to immediately snap a picture of Swanson’s celebration after her goal on what looked like a disposable camera.

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In just nine official matches as the coach, Hayes led the American women to Olympic glory. The future looks bright for the USWNT and their youthful team. And the gold medals hanging around their necks will serve as a reminder of what more they can achieve. 

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