Swanson, who missed out on the World Cup, scored twice in a minute to lead the way in a lopsided USWNT win over Zambia
The U.S. women's national team's first tournament under Emma Hayes is officially underway and, in some ways, it actually started similar to the last tournament under Vlatko Andonovski.
As in last summer's World Cup, the USWNT opened these Olympics with a 3-0 win that could have been five or six. It was good, debatably great, but not quite perfect. The good will shine through. This win over a 10-player Zambia was precisely the start the USWNT needed, even if it mirrored the start from 2023.
Mallory Swanson was the story, and rightfully so. The USWNT attacker, who missed out on the World Cup last summer, scored twice in less than a minute to announce her return. Her absence was vitally felt last year, but not this time. Swanson is back and firing, which is a huge lift to this team.
She was joined on the scoresheet by Trinity Rodman, whose fantastic backheel to herself will be on her own personal highlight reel for years to come. The third member of that attacking trio, Sophia Smith, limped off just before halftime, though, putting a damper on an overall upbeat day.
Smith's injury, as well as the injury that kept Jaedyn Shaw out of the lineup, will be a concern, but that's something the U.S. can worry about tomorrow. For now, the focus will be on this start and what it means for a group with very high aspirations, but needed a confidence-boosting win after last year's setback.
Game One is in the books, as are three points. The Hayes Era has begun. Next up? Germany. It'll only get harder from here.
GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Nice Stadium.
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Alyssa Naeher (6/10):
Didn't have to do too much but, during the few moments Zambia did threaten, she was solid.
Crystal Dunn (6/10):
Was a surprise starter, but she proved Hayes right. Had a strong game as usual as she helped the U.S. dominate that left-hand side.
Tierna Davidson (7/10):
Struggled with Zambia's pace at times, but some massive blocks and tackles. Overall, a really good game against a difficult opponent.
Naomi Girma (8/10):
It's hard to find the words anymore. Girma is so good every game and it's gotten to a point where it is easy to take her for granted. Don't, though. She's too good and too key to this U.S. team.
Emily Fox (6/10):
Got dusted by Barbra Banda a few times, but that happens to everyone. Recovered well enough to prevent chances.
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Sam Coffey (6/10):
A bit quiet, but that's the sign of a good day for a No. 6. Did well to make sure there would be no mishaps once the game got out of reach.
Lindsey Horan (8/10):
Absolutely fantastic on the ball. Ran the game from her place in the midfield, providing two assists to headline a spectacular performance.
Rose Lavelle (7/10):
She makes such a difference in this USWNT midfield, and that was easy to see throughout her 45 minutes. Only lasted those 45 as a precaution, with Hayes careful to manage the midfielder due to a recent knee injury.
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Mal Swanson (9/10):
Two goals in a minute – how you set the tone. Rodman opened the scoring, but Swanson put the game away, making a statement to the rest of the world: she's back.
Sophia Smith (7/10):
Played a huge role in the opener and drew Zambia's red card. Was unfortunately taken out with an injury just before the half, which will leave the U.S. sweating a bit.
Trinity Rodman (8/10):
An absolutely ridiculous bit of skill on the goal. That's the biggest difference between Olympic Rodman and World Cup Rodman: the confidence. If she's pulling off moves like that, the U.S. will be tough to stop.
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Korbin Albert (6/10):
Replaced Lavelle at the half. Had one good look on goal but shot it right at the keeper.
Casey Krueger (7/10):
Had a good chance to score her first goal in the 80th minute and a really good cross to Dunn later on. Unfortunately for her, it wasn't to be.
Jenna Nighswonger (6/10):
Was one of what felt like a million fullbacks on the pitch by the end. Was a surprise to not see her among the two starting.
Emily Sonnett (6/10):
Came on for Horan to provide a bit more defensive stability to midfield. Quietly did just that.
Emma Hayes (8/10):
Can't do much better than that. Could the U.S. have been a bit more ruthless? Maybe, but the U.S. will take a 3-0 win, as will Hayes. The U.S. hasn't conceded yet under their new coach. She'll hope to see that continue through these Olympics.
