PARIS, France — The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team's (USWNT) push for Olympic gold begins Thursday, as they take on Zambia in their first match of group play during the 2024 Olympic Games.
The Portland Thorns have two players from that World Cup team representing the U.S. at the Olympics, Sophia Smith and Sam Coffey. For Coffey, the excitement of playing in her first Olympics has been incredible.
"I'm so excited. I don't really know how to put it into words. I think in many ways it doesn't feel real," Coffey said. "I think there's just been so much that's gotten me to this point. So many people that have helped me get here. I think more than anything, I'm just feeling grateful and excited, and I just want to enjoy the moment."
The midfielder has been a staple of the Thorns' lineup the past few years and is hoping to make an impact in USWNT head coach Emma Hayes' lineup.
This is Hayes' first major tournament with the USWNT since taking over the reins in November 2023, after the U.S. fired former head coach Vlatko Andonovski due to a poor showing in the 2023 World Cup. Hayes' excitement is similar to that of the players, as even though she isn't playing it's something she's always dreamed of.
"I've dreamed of this moment since I was a little girl, so to be leading the U.S. team out to our first Olympic Games together is something I don't think I can put into words," Hayes said.
Hayes said despite the excitement, she needs to stay focused and lead this team, saying, "I have a job to do so my focus is on making sure I prepare the team the best way possible and keep my emotions in check."
Hayes is tasked with righting the ship for the USWNT.
The U.S. has won four Olympic gold medals and placed third in the 2021 Games. But after losing in the round of 16 in the 2023 World Cup, there's a lot of pressure for the U.S. to perform well during this year's Olympic Games.
Defender Casey Krueger emphasized the USWNT's preparation and excitement will help push them back to the top of the soccer world.
"We've been preparing for some time, but at the same time, it's been a bit quick as well, so I think just overwhelming excitement, little bit nervous, of course, being the first game against a very quality opponent, so I think a mixture of both," Krueger said.
The U.S.' first match against Zambia is nothing to take lightly, as the U.S. is coming off a disappointing draw against Costa Rica, however, sports books see the U.S. as heavy favorites, giving them -2000 odds to win. The U.S. are also slight favorites over defending World Cup champion Spain to win gold at the Olympics.
Emma Hayes and the U.S. are looking to bring the USWNT back to the global dominance it's used to and that all starts with Zambia.
How to watch
2024 Paris Olympics, women's soccer: U.S. vs. Zambia
- When: Thursday, noon
- TV: Peacock
