The US Women’s Soccer Team Is Headed to the Olympic Finals for the First Time in 12 Years: What The Team Has to Say
Plus, learn where you can watch the final match at home
The US women’s soccer team is ready to go for the gold. After an impressive match against Germany on Tuesday, August 6, the US women’s team came out on top, beating their opponents 1 – 0 in overtime. This isn’t new news though, as the US has beaten Germany in every single international tournament for the last two decades. To learn more about Team USA’s win and what the athletes can expect going forward keep reading.
All about the US women’s soccer team
Currently, there are 18 players on the US women’s olympic soccer team. They are Casey Murphy, Alyssa Naeher, Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, Jenna Nighswonger, Casey Krueger, Emily Sonnett, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Korbin Albert, Catarina Macario, Crystal Dunn, Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson.
Says goalkeeper Casey Murphy: “I’m for sure a Jersey girl, and I grew up a Rutgers fan. I’m just really excited to be able to represent Jersey, Rutgers, and obviously the USA.”
There are also four alternates named Jane Campbell, Hal Hershfelt, Croix Bethune and Lynn Williams.
All of these athletes are coached by Emma Hayes, who says “The feelings and connection I have for this team and for this country run deep. I’ve dreamed about coaching the USA for a long time so to get this opportunity is a dream come true. I know there is work to do to achieve our goals of winning consistently at the highest levels.”
All about the women’s win
As mentioned above, the US women’s soccer team beat Germany 1-0 on Tuesday, August 6 in the semifinal round. That win was all thanks to forward Sophia Smith, who scored the match’s one goal during the 95th minute of the game.
Says Smith: ”I saw a little opening in the net, and I was just like, `I’ve got to put it there. ‘ Just put it there. It was a good feeling. I know I had a few other chances this game that I should have put away, but sometimes one is all it takes.”
The team will go on to compete for the gold on Saturday, August 10 at 11 a.m. ESt, where they will compete against Brazil.
”The goal is closer but the job’s not done yet,” says forward Mallory Swanson. “I think that obviously, we’re in a great position. You take this win and we’re on a high right now, but it’s important just to stay steady with everything we’re doing. Just stay steady.”
Even if Team USA doesn’t win gold though, they will at least earn silver in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, which is super impressive considering the team hasn’t made it to the final round since the 2012 London Olympics.
It will also be the team’s sixth appearance in the finals and potentially their fifth gold medal.
“I’ve said this all along — the reason I want to play the team together for as long as possible is because I want them to develop that,” says Haynes, the team’s head coach. “I want them to suffer. I want them to have that moment because I do not believe you can win without it.”
She also added that it’s all about “heart and head and that our group wants to create a new history for themselves. They did enough to get us into the final, and that’s just the next step. We have to take the next step.”
You can watch the US women’s soccer team compete for first place either through your local cable provider on NBC, a streaming service called Peacock or on the NBC or the NBC Olympics app.
For more of our Olympic coverage, keep scrolling!
Swimmers Competed in the Seine at the 2024 Summer Olympics: Inside Health Concerns
Who Is Stephen Nedoroscik? All About the Gymnast and His Pommel Horse Routine
What Happens to Old Olympic Venues? Inside the Last 6 Olympic Cities
