USWNT Rolls to Comfortable Win Over Zambia in Olympics Opener

The United States women’s national soccer team kicked off their Olympic campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Zambia on Thursday. The win was a much-needed boost for the USWNT, who were seeking to put the pain of their 2023 World Cup exit behind them.

The Americans dominated the match from the start, with 13 shots in the first 30 minutes and four legitimate chances inside the first 10. While they didn’t convert those early chances, Trinity Rodman, who was devastated after a tough 2023 tournament, spun Zambian defenders in circles and scored the first goal.

Rodman’s celebration, with her chin tilted skywards and a smile bearing teeth, told the story of Thursday night at the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice. The pressure was palpable on the USWNT, but it relented before it could infringe on their 2024 Olympic debut.

Mallory Swanson, who missed the World Cup with a gut-wrenching patellar tendon injury, grabbed her first goal at a major tournament since 2019. She celebrated the first with a pump of her fist and a somewhat relieved “YES!” and the second with her supplier, Sophia Smith, who had struggled most with the weight of expectation last summer.

The USWNT coasted to an exceptionally comfortable victory, with Zambia fighting hard but ultimately unable to make a dent. The lack of second-half goals shouldn’t matter, with the three points and strong goal differential enough to see the Americans through to the quarterfinals.

However, the USWNT’s concern should be twofold. First, Smith exited the game late in the first half with what appeared to be an ankle injury, severity unknown. Second, the Games will only get tougher from here, with Germany, who pummeled Australia 3-0 earlier Thursday, waiting in the wings.

That US showdown with the Germans on Sunday in Marseille should determine who tops Group B.