The U.S. women’s soccer team secured a place in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with a 2-1 victory over Australia on Wednesday. The win allowed the team to finish the group stage with an unbeaten record.
Trinity Rodman scored the opening goal for the U.S. in the 43rd minute, converting a header from Sophia Smith. Korbin Albert added a second goal in the 77th minute with a long-range strike. Although Australia’s Alanna Kennedy scored in stoppage time to reduce the deficit, the U.S. managed to hold on for the win.
The U.S. women’s team topped Group B with nine points from three matches, having previously defeated Zambia and Germany. They will face Japan in the quarterfinals.
Historically, the U.S. women’s national team has been a dominant force in women’s soccer at the Olympics, with four gold medals in five Games since their debut in 1996. However, they have not won gold since 2012, finishing in the quarterfinals in 2016 and winning bronze in Tokyo 2021.
Under the guidance of new head coach Emma Hayes, the team has shown strong form in the group stages, scoring seven goals and conceding only once. Despite a strong performance throughout the tournament, midfielder Sam Coffey will be suspended for the quarterfinals due to a yellow card received in the match against Australia.