The USWNT Win Group B and Remain Undefeated in 2024 Paris Olympic Play

U.S. Women’s National Team – Group Stage – Game 3 Recap

The U.S. Women’s National Team headed into Game 3 at the top of the table in Group B and have already qualified for the Quarterfinals after a 3-0 win over Zambia. Australia are in third place with three points, having one win and one loss in the tournament. 

The first 25 minutes of the half saw both teams looking for ways to get on the scoreboard first, competing for every ball. United States defender Sam Coffey received a yellow card in the 4th minute after fouling Australian midfielder Katrina Gorry; Coffee will miss the next game due to yellow card accumulation in the group stage. Crystal Dunn attempted a shot on goal but was pushed over the bar by Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold in the 37th minute of the match. Moments later, American Lindsey Horan had an attempt at goal and was saved again by the Matildas goalkeeper. 

Right before the break, the United States went up 1-0 after a corner kick in the 44th minute. Lavelle Rose played the ball into the box, Sophia Smith headed the ball towards the front post, and Trinity Rodman kicked it past the goal line. The Australian head coach received a yellow card after the goal for protest. The referee was asked to review the goal via VAR system and decided the goal would stand. Therefore, the United States headed into the locker room up by a goal to none. 

At half time, the United States and Australia made a substitution; Nighswonger entered for Dunn and Wheeler entered for Cooney-Cross. Australian forward Hayley Raso had an attempt at goal in the 53rd minute but was picked off by American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. The Matildas made a double substitution in the 59th minute with Heyman and van Egmond entering for Torpey and Gorry. Sophia Smith had a look at goal in the 64th minute but was called offside in the build up. 

Team USA brought on Albert, Krueger, and Williams for Lavelle, Fox, and Rodman in the 66th minute. Korbin Albert received a yellow card moments after coming on the pitch for fouling Australian forward Caitlin Foord. Then, Korbin Albert made it 2-0 in the 77th minute after a mistake from the Australian backline. 

The USWNT made their final ‘sub of the night with Croix Bethune making her Olympic debut replacing Mallory Swanson in the 79th minute. Australia would get a goal back in the 90 '+1 minute as Alanna Kennedy slotted it past the American goalkeeper making it 2-1. 

The USWNT will play their knockout stage game on Saturday, August 3rd in Paris, France against Japan with a 9:00am EST kickoff time.