U.S. Women’s Soccer: A New Era Begins Heading to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games
The United States women’s national soccer team (USWNT) has been a dominant force on the pitch for years. The team excelled in every international competition, consistently outperforming its opponents. The U.S. won four of the first five Olympic women’s soccer titles from 1996 through 2012. However, The USWNT lost in the quarterfinals in Rio in 2016 and took bronze in Tokyo three years ago.
The U.S. was eliminated in the round of 16 at last summer’s World Cup after winning the previous two World Cups. For the first time, the team failed to reach the final in consecutive major tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 World Cup.
Now, the USWNT heads into the 2024 Paris Olympics with a chip on its shoulders, looking to establish its dominance once again. Let’s dive deeper into what the USWNT has done to revamp its roster in hopes of bringing home the gold.
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Emma Hayes Takes Over as Head Coach
Former Chelsea women’s manager Emma Hayes announced she would leave the club to coach the USWNT, replacing coach Vlatko Andonovski. Widely regarded as one of the game’s most influential and best coaches, Hayes won 16 trophies at Chelsea, including seven WSL titles and five FA Cups.
Heading into the Paris Olympics, Hayes has her hands full. She must lead a predominantly young roster carrying sky-high expectations. She is also tasked with taking a team known for their transitional and fast play style and preparing them for facing the increasingly tactical and strategic soccer being played by teams around the world.
Hayes made headlines when she left 34-year-old U.S. soccer icon Alex Morgan off the roster, making way for younger players who will be the team’s future. Though a bold move by Hayes, it showed the world she is committed to building and growing the program, hopefully setting up the team for years to come.
A new era is underway for U.S. Women’s soccer, and Hayes wants to make a statement at the Paris Olympics.
New, Young Roster
The average age of the U.S. roster is 26.8, four years younger than that of the Tokyo Olympic team. This is also the fourth-youngest roster the USA has ever sent to the Olympics and the youngest since 2008.
The first-time Olympians are goalkeeper Casey Murphy, defenders Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, and Jenna Nighswonger, midfielders Korbin Albert and Sam Coffey, and forwards Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Jaedyn Shaw. For Nighswonger, Albert, Coffey, and Shaw, the 2024 Paris Olympics will be their first senior-level world championship.
Hayes stressed the importance of providing opportunities for less-experienced athletes, wanting to bridge the gap between veterans and young players.
While the U.S. squad got younger, it isn’t lacking in experience either. Four of the 18 players on the roster for the Paris Olympics have 100+ caps, led by captain Lindsey Horan with 148. Crystal Dunn has 147 international appearances, followed by Alyssa Naeher (104 caps) and Rose Lavelle (100). The mix of youth and experience could bode well for the U.S. in the upcoming Olympic games, giving them a boost of youth and energy.
As the USWNT gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, a new chapter is unfolding for American Women’s soccer. With Emma Hayes at the forefront, the team is set up for a fresh start, blending a youthful roster with seasoned veterans. As they step onto the pitch in Paris, the USWNT aims to reclaim their place at the top, driven by the determination to secure gold once again.
Where Will the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Place in the Olympics?
