The last time the U.S. women’s soccer team was on the world stage, it struggled.
The U.S. women’s national team was eliminated in the round of 16 at last year’s World Cup after winning the previous two tournaments.
America wants revenge.
And in their first game on the Olympic pitch, Japan lived up to those expectations with a 3-0 win over Zambia.
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United States athlete Mallory Swanson (left) celebrates with athlete Sophia Smith (11) during the women’s Group B match between Zambia and the United States at the Stade de Nice in Nice, France, on July 25, 2024. (Mark Atkins/Getty Images)
Trinity Rodman, making her Olympic debut, scored the opening goal for the United States in the 17th minute.
It didn’t take long for the U.S. to extend its lead, with Mallory Swanson scoring in the 24th minute and again just 70 seconds later.
Zambia were already three goals down and after 33 minutes Pauline Zulu was sent off with a red card, meaning the team would play the rest of the match with 10 men. Zulu was seen sobbing as she left the field.
Mallory Swanson of the United States celebrates her victory during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games women’s Group B match against Zambia at the Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024 in Nice, France. (Mark Atkins/Getty Images)
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“I think there are little things in my game and in my play that I need to tweak and continue to grow from,” Swanson said. “So, I think there are definitely some little things like that and I’m just going to address them and fix them and keep moving forward.”
Head coach Emma Hayes admitted before the game she probably wouldn’t have been all that excited about the 3-0 win, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Sweden shocked the soccer world by beating the United States on penalties in the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup, prompting the team’s coach, Vlatko Andonovski, to resign shortly after the defeat.
United States player Trinity Rodman (5) celebrates after scoring with player Mallory Swanson (9) during the first half of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games women’s Group B match against Zambia at the Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024 in Nice, France. (John Todd/ISI/Getty Images)
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The loss marked the earliest a U.S. team has been eliminated from the Women’s World Cup.
The U.S. next faces Germany on Sunday in Marseille, where a win would put them in good position to advance to the knockout stages.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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