Late Goal Sends the USWNT to the Gold Medal Match

U.S. Women’s National Team – Semifinals– Game Recap 

The United States Women's National Team headed into the Semi Final match off of a 1-0 win over Japan in extra time. Their opponent, Germany, defeated Canada in penalties 4-2 to advance to the semi final match. This was the second meeting between the United States and Germany in the Olympic tournament. The U.S. Women defeated Germany in the group stage with a score of 4-1. 

At the start of the first half, Rose Lavelle had a great opportunity to give the U.S. the early lead in the 4th minute, but the shot was caught by the German goalkeeper. The first yellow card of the match came in the 44th minute as Marina Hergering of Germany fouled American forward Mallory Swanson. The American finished the first half outshooting the Germans 6 to 0. They also had 58% ball possession over Germany’s 42% possession. The United States and Germany entered their locker rooms scoreless at the half. 

Both teams began the second half looking for the first goal of the match. Emily Sonnett was subbed on for Tierna Davidson at half time for the United States. The momentum began to shift for Germany in the second half as they outshot the U.S. 3 to 0 in the first fifteen minutes of the half. The U.S. brought on some fresh legs in the 60th minute with Lynn Williams replacing Rose Lavelle. Germany made their first sub of the night with Freigang entering the match for Anyomi in the 69th minute.  

The referee added five minutes of stoppage time as the United States and Germany were still tied at 0 after 90 minutes of play. Both teams continued to press forward but would go into 30 minutes of extra time to decide a winner. The United States made a double substitution before the start of extra time as Horan and Dunn exited the match for Nighswonger and Albert. Germany also brought on Senss for Lohmann.

The breakthrough finally happened for the United States as the Americans went up 1-0 in the 95th minute with Sophia Smith getting it across the goal line. Alyssa Naeher made a huge save in the 119th minute for the United States to keep Germany off of the scoreboard. Seconds later, the German goalkeeper also made a huge save to keep Sophia Smith from getting her second goal of the match. 

With a win over Germany, the USWNT are headed to the finals and will play Brazil on Saturday, August 10th in Paris, France at 11:00am EST for a chance to win the Gold medal.