The U.S. women’s national team got off to a blazing start in their first Olympic group match against Zambia on Thursday as forward Trinity Rodman hit the crossbar twice in the opening 10 minutes before finally getting the opening goal for the Stars and Stripes. It was the first goal for the USWNT in the 2024 Paris Olympics, and it came with a ton of style.
The squad was on the front foot from the opening whistle and spent plenty of time in the final third, getting a breakthrough goal that would see them score two more moments later via Mallory Swanson.
Sophia Smith carried the ball out wide before finding the open pass to Lindsey Horan. Rodman called for the ball while making an alternate run and turned the defender with what’s now her signature spin move before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. It’s Rodman’s first goal for the national team this year and her Olympic scoring debut.
Take a look at the brilliant touch and finish here:
The U.S. took a 3-0 lead into the break of their opener, one of three group stage games as they pursue a spot in the knockout stages.
KVSP