As the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) attacked repeatedly in Washington, DC last week, their final passes were just slightly off, and decisive shots missed by inches. The scoreless draw against Costa Rica in their final game before heading to France for the 2024 Summer Games was as frustrating as the sweltering 97-degree heat at kickoff. This game encapsulated the challenges head coach Emma Hayes and her squad face during these Paris Games.
The golden generation's stars are mostly gone, and this competition is where new stars must emerge, or the streak of disappointing major tournaments will continue.
“We want to make this environment comfortable, but also know what the standard is – you’re here for a reason,” said Lindsey Horan, the team's captain. “Any new player coming in means you’re one of the best in the country and you have every right to be here. So, the nerves are normal. It means this means something, and you’re playing on one of the best teams in the world. We want to get back to being the best in the world.”
Horan highlighted the importance of new players like Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman, who are entering their first Olympics, along with four other players making their debut in major tournaments for the US. Veterans like Rose Lavelle and Alyssa Naeher seek redemption from disappointing showings in Tokyo and the earliest-ever World Cup defeat in Australia and New Zealand.
The US women start their Olympic play against Zambia at 3 p.m. ET at the Stade de Nice in Nice, France.
A New Era
When setting the roster, Hayes made the surprising decision to leave Alex Morgan out, choosing players who could adapt to her style and handle the tight Olympic schedule. This was arguably her first tough decision since joining the team in late 2023 after a successful stint at Chelsea FC in London.
Hayes admitted she had only had about half a dozen training sessions with the team before the Costa Rica game, not leaving much time to build relationships essential for major competition victories. Despite this, she finds it easier than expected to bring the team together.
“I’ve only had a half a dozen sessions and four games. No problem, I’ll make the most of those,” she said. “In the sessions leading into the Olympics, we’ll add another layer to prepare us for the opening game against Zambia. There’s a lot of young, inexperienced players still learning at this level. Yes, it’s a new era, and we want to win, but we have to understand the steps to take to do that.”
For first-time Olympians like defender Sam Coffey, patience is key. Coffey intends to enjoy the Olympic experience but acknowledges the learning curve. “This is a new group with a new energy and philosophy. We’re learning a lot as we go and need to have patience with ourselves. It’s not going to be linear,” she said.
Tuning Out the ‘Keyboard Warriors’
Hayes emphasizes the importance of focusing internally and ignoring external criticism. “We can’t control the keyboard warriors. We have to realize the privilege of playing for the USA at the Olympics. It’s the greatest honor, and we don’t want to waste it with remarks and comments from outside,” she said.
Veteran player Mallory Swanson, in her second Olympics and third major tournament, will help guide the younger players through the pressure. Swanson noted the positive atmosphere in the locker room, attributing it to the mix of veteran and newer players.
Finding an Identity and a Top Target
With Morgan not on the team, the US women face their first major tournament in years without a clear top striker. Smith, Rodman, and Swanson formed an electric front three against Costa Rica, creating chances but failing to finish them. This raises the question of who will step up as the reliable goal scorer.
“It’s frustrating when you’re creating chances, and it’s just not going in. But we’re getting into those positions, and that’s positive,” Swanson said after the July 16 game. “We need to be more clinical and get some reps in on the training ground.”
Hayes is patient as her team forges a new identity, and the games leading up to France have provided valuable experience against different defenses. “The last part in the box is that little bit of composure, whether it’s to find the right player in the right moment or just execute,” Hayes said. “We should win the game, but I’m focused on analyzing what we need to do to ensure that happens. I can’t finish the ball for players, but I can coach them to be in the right positions.”