The U.S. made it three wins from as many games in their biggest challenge yet, downing Australia in the Paris Games
The train keeps rolling, and it's rolling right into the knockout rounds. Three games, three wins for the U.S. women's national team, who will head into the Olympic quarterfinals now holding the belief that they can do damage in the moments that count.
This win wasn't an aesthetic performance. After crushing both Zambia and Germany in their first two group stage games, Wednesday's win over Australia was a bit more tense. It ended as a 2-1 win, one the U.S. largely dominated – but not in a manner that was particularly straightforward.
The first goal came just before the half as Trinity Rodman poked home a Sophia Smith assist. They didn't get the second until the 77th minute, when substitute Korbin Albert scored a long-range stunner that seemingly put the game to bed.
But not quite.
A stoppage-time goal from Australia's Alanna Kennedy meant that the U.S. needed to defend for the game's final moments, which they did capably. There were nervy moments, for sure, but maybe that's a good thing for a U.S. team that hadn't been challenged to this extent at these Olympics.
The U.S. can officially look ahead now. Coach Emma Hayes has been reluctant to horizon watch, but it's that time now. The group stage is over the USWNT will now take on Japan in the quarterfinals at 9 a.m. EST Saturday.
GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Stade de Marseille.
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Alyssa Naeher (6/10):
For most of the game, you, the reader, could have done Naeher's job. Not much she could have done on the Australia goal, but she did have a huge punch late.
Crystal Dunn (6/10):
Had a few good moments but, generally, wasn't able to beat her defender with the ball at her feet.
Emily Sonnett (7/10):
Stepped right in for the injured Tierna Davidson and there was no drop-off, which shows how solid she was.
Naomi Girma (8/10):
Can you imagine if she got that goal? Her long-range shot in the second half was close to going in. Defensively, you already know how she did: just about perfect.
Emily Fox (7/10):
Could have, and probably should have, gotten an assist on a fantastic cross to Lindsey Horan. That was her best moment in an otherwise solid game.
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Sam Coffey (5/10):
Loses points here for taking a bad yellow card. She'll now be suspended for the quarterfinals, which is a huge loss.
Lindsey Horan (6/10):
She's still at the center of everything, and as she goes, the U.S. goes. Got on the ball so much, although she was a bit sloppy with it at times. Almost scored a header, too.
Rose Lavelle (6/10):
Weirdly enough, had a better game defensively than on the attacking side. Had a few huge tackles when Australia did get forward.
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Mallory Swanson (6/10):
The quietest of her group stage games, although that's all about how good she was in the first two. Still had some dangerous moments, even if they didn't result in a goal.
Sophia Smith (7/10):
A fantastic assist for Rodman as Smith didn't panic with the ball during a chaotic set piece. Ran Australia ragged all night long aside from that, too.
Trinity Rodman (8/10):
So often she wins games with her physical ability. This time, she won it with her mind. Rodman's positioning was perfect on the goal as she tapped home from close range to win the game.
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Jenna Nighswonger (6/10):
Solid enough throughout her 45-minute runout after replacing Dunn at halftime.
Casey Krueger (6/10):
Had a few good defensive sequences. Why had she been out of the picture for so long?
Korbin Albert (8/10):
An absolute golazo. What a moment for the young midfielder, who has dealt with her share of well-earned criticism in recent months for off-the-pitch matters. Good for her for shaking it off and stepping up.
Lynn Williams (6/10):
Came on to replace Rodman, who was on yellow card watch. Provided some energy to keep Australia on their toes.
Croix Bethune (N/A):
Came on late, but what a moment for the Washington Spirit star, who was handed her Olympic debut.
Emma Hayes (7/10):
The yellow card to Coffey will sting, but Davidson's injury forced Hayes' hand a bit with this XI. Otherwise, got most if it right as the U.S. picked up a well-deserved win – and still with some lessons learned – to keep the momentum rolling into the knockouts.