The last time the U.S. Women’s national team was seen at a high-level global tournament, the results were disappointing: a Round of 16 exit at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The favorites struggled to generate offense, winning only one match in the group stage and scoring just four goals in four games under coach Vlatko Andonovski. New coach Emma Hayes is now charged with getting the USWNT back to the top of the podium on the international stage.
Leading the charge for the USWNT are four veterans with more than 100 caps: midfielder Lindsey Horan (150 caps), forward Crystal Dunn (149 caps), goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher (106 caps) and midfielder Rose Lavelle (106 caps), three of whom were on the 2019 World Cup-winning squad. Team USA, along with Zambia, Germany and Australia, comprise Group B at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Stay with Yahoo Sports for full coverage of the USWNT opening up group play at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
Live23 updates
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Zambia not giving up
Racheal Kundananji was determined to get Zambia on the board, running hard down the sideline and getting a shot on goal. However, the shot went right to USA goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and didn’t come close.
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Rodman and Swanson getting a rest
Trinity Rodman probably won’t get that second goal, as she’s been subbed out of the match. USA is taking the opportunity to rest its star players with the 3–0 lead and another game in two days.
Rodman and Mallory Swanson are out, along with Lindsey Horan. Subbing in for them are Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger and Emily Sonnett.
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Trinity Rodman with another near-goal
Trinity Rodman was once again in position for her second goal, but she kicked just wide of the net to the left. She’s not far from having three goals today.
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Korbin Albert in for Rose Lavelle
USWNT coach Emma Hayes substitutes Korbin Albert for Rose Lavelle in the second half. Lavelle was scratched from last week’s friendly with Costa Rica due to groin tightness. Hayes is apparently being cautious with a 3–0 lead and making sure Lavelle doesn’t push it with her injury.
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USA 3, Zambia 0 at halftime
The first half couldn’t have gone much better for Team USA, who takes a 3–0 lead into halftime. Mallory Swanson has two goals, with Trinity Rodman adding another.
Meanwhile, Zambia is down to 10 players after a red card on Paulina Zulu.
34′ – 🟥: RED!
Zambia will play with 10 players following VAR review.
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 25, 2024
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Trinity Rodman just misses another goal
Trinity Rodman almost had another goal shortly before halftime, but her header went wide right of the net.
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Brazil beats Nigeria, 1–0
A thrilling finish for Brazil, winning a 1–0 match over Nigeria:
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Germany defeats Australia, 3–0
Elsewhere in the women’s Olympic soccer tournament, Germany beat Australia, 3–0.
Germany will face Team USA on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
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Zambia lineup
The Starting XI for Zambia:
It appears at first glance that Zambia will play three at the back vs. the #USWNT:
Musole (GK) — Siamfuko, Mweemba, Tembo — G. Chanda, H Chanda, Chilufya, Chitundu, Mupopo — Kundananji, B. Banda.
Kundananji & Banda the big names, but look out for former 400m champion Mupopo.
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) July 25, 2024
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USWNT lineup
Here is the Starting XI for USWNT:
A Nice XI to start the Olympics 🇺🇸
Full Lineup Notes ⤵️#USWNT x @Visa
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 25, 2024
Still waiting for Zambia’s lineup…
