PORTLAND, Oregon — The United States women's national team finished 4-1 over Germany in group play at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Sunday. It was the second of three group stage games for the U.S. team, who beat Zambia 3-0 to start the tournament.
Portland Thorns and U.S. forward Sophia Smith scored two of the goals — both in the first half. Mallory Swanson scored her third for the tournament and assisted Lynn Williams, who secured the United State's fourth goal of the match.
Williams had subbed in for Smith late into the second half.
The United States are playing their first major tournament under new coach Emma Hayes, who took over the U.S. team in late May. Hayes is tasked with leading the Americans as they seek to distance themselves from the disappointment of last summer’s Women’s World Cup, when they crashed out in the round of 16.
The United States is the winningest team in the Olympics, with four gold medals. The Americans won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Games under former coach Vlatko Andonovski, who resigned following the World Cup.
Smith started for the United States in the match against Germany after leaving the opener in the first half with what appeared to be an ankle injury. Ten minutes into the match, Smith struck a cross from Trinity Rodman that sailed past German goalkeeper Katrin-Ann Berger.
Giulia Gwinn from Germany tied the score in the 22nd minute with a low shot outside the penalty area that just eluded U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher's fingertips. But, a few moments later Swanson put the United States back in front picking up a rebound for a goal, following an attempt by Smith from the distance.
Swanson is the second player to score three goals in the group stage at an Olympics, joining Abby Wambach in 2012.
U.S. defender Tierna Davidson left the match with an injury and was replaced by Emily Sonnett in the second half. Alexandra Popp from Germany left in the 76th minute with what appeared to be a right leg injury. A blow to Germany, which was already playing without midfielder Lena Oberdorf due to a knee injury.
The United States plays Australia in Marseille to conclude group play. Germany, which defeated Australia in its Olympic opener 3-0, plays Zambia in Saint-Etienne.
