The US women’s national soccer team began Olympic tournament play decisively, with a 3–0 win over Zambia.
Trinity Rodman opened the scoring for the US at the 17th minute, receiving a centering pass, then turning and firing a shot past Zambia goalkeeper Ngambo Musole.
Seven minutes later, Mallory Swanson followed with a score off a perfect pass from Lindsey Horan. Just a minute after that, Swanson scored again, receiving a pass from Sophia Smith then maneuvering around Musole to easily get the ball in the net.
Up next for Team USA in Group B play is a matchup with Germany on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. Germany defeated Australia, 3–0, earlier on Thursday.
Check out Yahoo Sports’ live blog coverage of the USA-Zambia match below.
LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER24 updates
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Final: USA 3, Zambia 0
Zambia couldn’t generate much in the second half and never really threatened to cut into Team USA’s 3–0 lead. Especially while short-handed.
In the meantime, USWNT coach Emma Hayes took the opportunity to rest several key players with the big lead – allowing players like Jenna Nighswonger to make their major tournament debut and a match against Germany on Sunday.
USA and Germany will continue Group B play with Sunday’s match at 3 p.m. ET.
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Zambia not giving up
Racheal Kundananji was determined to get Zambia on the board, running hard down the sideline and getting a shot on goal. However, the shot went right to USA goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and didn’t come close.
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Rodman and Swanson getting a rest
Trinity Rodman probably won’t get that second goal, as she’s been subbed out of the match. USA is taking the opportunity to rest its star players with the 3–0 lead and another game in two days.
Rodman and Mallory Swanson are out, along with Lindsey Horan. Subbing in for them are Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger and Emily Sonnett.
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Trinity Rodman with another near-goal
Trinity Rodman was once again in position for her second goal, but she kicked just wide of the net to the left. She’s not far from having three goals today.
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Korbin Albert in for Rose Lavelle
USWNT coach Emma Hayes substitutes Korbin Albert for Rose Lavelle in the second half. Lavelle was scratched from last week’s friendly with Costa Rica due to groin tightness. Hayes is apparently being cautious with a 3–0 lead and making sure Lavelle doesn’t push it with her injury.
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USA 3, Zambia 0 at halftime
The first half couldn’t have gone much better for Team USA, who takes a 3–0 lead into halftime. Mallory Swanson has two goals, with Trinity Rodman adding another.
Meanwhile, Zambia is down to 10 players after a red card on Paulina Zulu.
34′ – 🟥: RED!
Zambia will play with 10 players following VAR review.
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 25, 2024
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Trinity Rodman just misses another goal
Trinity Rodman almost had another goal shortly before halftime, but her header went wide right of the net.
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Pauline Zulu’s yellow card upgraded to red, and Zambia will play with 10
Upgraded to a red card for DOGSO, Zulu is sent off and v. emotional. Feels like it’s about to go from rough to extremely rough for Zambia here. #USWNT 3 – Zambia 0.
— Meg Linehan (@itsmeglinehan) July 25, 2024
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Brazil beats Nigeria, 1–0
A thrilling finish for Brazil, winning a 1–0 match over Nigeria:
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Germany defeats Australia, 3–0
Elsewhere in the women’s Olympic soccer tournament, Germany beat Australia, 3–0.
Germany will face Team USA on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
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Mallory Swanson, again?!
Swanson puts USWNT up 3-0.
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A beauty from Mallory Swanson puts USWNT up 2-0
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Trinity Rodman strikes first!
The US is up 1-0 in the 17th minute thanks to the 22-year-old Rodman.
17′ – GOAL: USA!!!!!
In a beautiful build-up, Lindsey finds Trin who dances in the box and slots it home!
🇺🇸 USA 1 – 0 ZAM 🇿🇲 pic.twitter.com/XJxSSBTDiH
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 25, 2024
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Over the past few minutes, the U.S. has put forth a flurry of shots, several off the crossbar, and while none got through, it feels like a matter of time.
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Through the first 13 minutes, the USWNT has had its fair share of chances, but nothing has broken through yet.
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USWNT get off to a fast start
Instant pressure from the U.S. but Horan sends it just wide on their first look at goal. #USWNT
— Meg Linehan (@itsmeglinehan) July 25, 2024
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Team USA is ready to go
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Zambia lineup
The Starting XI for Zambia:
It appears at first glance that Zambia will play three at the back vs. the #USWNT:
Musole (GK) — Siamfuko, Mweemba, Tembo — G. Chanda, H Chanda, Chilufya, Chitundu, Mupopo — Kundananji, B. Banda.
Kundananji & Banda the big names, but look out for former 400m champion Mupopo.
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) July 25, 2024
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What to expect from the USWNT in the 2024 Paris Olympics
