PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 10: Mallory Swanson (#9) of Team United States celebrates after scoring the pivotal goal during the Women’s Gold Medal match between Brazil and the United States of America at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The match, held at the renowned Parc des Princes on August 10, 2024, marked a historic moment for the USWNT. (
USWNT Reclaims Olympic Glory
The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) has once again claimed the coveted Olympic gold medal, a feat they last achieved 12 years ago. The Americans, known for their early dominance in the tournament, faced a formidable opponent in the final. However, despite four corner kicks and relentless efforts, the team appeared somewhat lackluster at the Parc des Princes, managing only two shots on goal by halftime.
Brazil nearly capitalized on this sluggish start when Ludmila’s apparent goal in the 16th minute was ruled offside, averting a potential disaster for the five-time gold medalists.
Mallory Swanson Breaks the Deadlock
In the second half, Mallory Swanson rose to the occasion, delivering a breakthrough in the 57th minute. A brilliant pass from midfielder Korbin Albert, threaded through two Brazilian defenders, found its mark with Swanson. Displaying her trademark composure, Swanson collected the ball and fired a low shot to the right of Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena, marking her fourth goal of the tournament.
The iconic Marta entered the match in the 61st minute, replacing Ludmila in what would be her final major international appearance. Despite a valiant effort and a late surge, Marta and her team could not overcome the USWNT, who remained resolute in their pursuit of gold. Notably, the last time a team was held scoreless in an Olympic women’s final was also by the U.S., against Brazil in 2008.
As the game stretched into more than 12 minutes of stoppage time, following a potential head injury to U.S. captain Lindsey Horan, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made a crucial late save, securing the victory.
Swanson’s Golden Moment
After an arduous recovery from injury in 2023, Mallory Swanson has been nothing short of electrifying, complementing the efforts of her fellow Triple Espresso teammates, Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman, throughout the Olympics. In a tense and tightly contested final, Swanson finally found the space she needed to unlock the match.
Credit to Albert for recognizing Swanson and Smith’s positioning, lofting a precise ball over the Brazilian backline in the 57th minute. Smith, sensing she was offside, cleverly acted as a decoy, diverting the Brazilian defense’s attention and allowing Swanson, from an onside position, to seize the opportunity.
Swanson, at her finest, then embarked on a well-executed dribble from the left, cutting inside toward the box, where she unleashed a powerful shot into the far corner with her stronger right foot. The crowd’s eruption of joy was a testament to the significance of the moment, with Smith’s dummy run serving as an honorary assist alongside Albert’s exceptional pass. It was a sequence truly deserving of gold and a fitting way to celebrate Swanson’s 100th cap.
How Brazil Neutralized the USWNT in the First Half
Throughout the tournament, the USWNT established a reputation for imposing their will early in matches, often dominating the balance of expected goals through relentless chance creation. However, Brazil, determined to make their mark, entered the final with a strategic plan to stifle the American attack.
Brazil’s strategy was both simple and effective. By positioning just four field players in the central third and deploying a center-back, a wing-back, and a winger in each wide area, they effectively shut down passing lanes to Rodman and Swanson on the flanks. In possession, Brazil’s wingers pressured Crystal Dunn and Emily Fox, drawing the U.S. center-backs out wide and creating dangerous pockets in the box for potential crosses.
Despite this tactical brilliance, Brazil could not find the back of the net in the first half, thanks in large part to Naeher’s crucial saves. Nonetheless, Brazil’s approach was a masterclass in neutralizing the USWNT’s strengths and setting the stage for a fiercely contested final.
Marta’s Poignant International Farewell
There was a touch of magic in seeing Marta step onto the pitch for the gold-medal match, donning the captain’s armband in the 61st minute. The legendary Brazilian forward, widely regarded as the GOAT of women’s soccer, received a standing ovation from even the pro-U.S. crowd in Paris.
Marta’s illustrious career has been marked by her tireless efforts to elevate Brazil’s women’s soccer program, often far from home, amid calls for greater investment and support from the national federation. Despite these challenges, she has remained a beacon of hope and representation for countless players worldwide.
Marta’s presence on the field, even at 38, was a force to be reckoned with. Replacing the dangerous Ludmila, Marta sought to disrupt the U.S. defense, positioning herself to draw defenders out and create opportunities for her team. Yet, despite her valiant efforts, Brazil could not overcome the resilient USWNT, who withstood wave after wave of late attacks.
As the match concluded, Marta was seen comforting her tearful teammates, embracing staff, and standing tall as a symbol of strength and perseverance. While she leaves the Olympics with a silver medal, her career remains unmatched, and no medal, regardless of its color, could fully encapsulate her legacy.
The Future of the USWNT
With head coach Emma Hayes at the helm, the USWNT has begun its transition into the next cycle of play. Hayes, who made headlines by leaving Alex Morgan off the Olympic roster, now holds the authority to make further changes with a gold medal to her name.
This may signal the end of the road for several seasoned players who have long been fixtures on the team. In the quiet period between this Olympics and the next World Cup in 2027, Hayes has the opportunity to phase out some of the veteran names with minimal disruption to the team’s performance.
New talent abounds within the U.S. player pool. Albert has emerged as a natural midfield partner for Sam Coffey, while promising players like Hal Hershfelt, Jaelin Howell, and Lily Yohannes await their chances. Jenna Nighswonger is poised to take over at left-back from Dunn, and rising stars like Jaedyn Shaw and Croix Bethune may soon replace Lynn Williams.
In defense, Sam Staab, despite a recent injury, could become a mainstay, and a new generation of goalkeepers, including Casey Murphy, Jane Campbell, and Mandy Haught, may soon step into Naeher’s shoes.
With three years to build on this gold-medal triumph before the next World Cup, we can expect to see a fresh and invigorated USWNT under Hayes’ leadership.
