Former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes secured a first competitive victory as United States women’s head coach after her side beat 10-woman Zambia 3-0 to open their Olympic campaign in Nice.
Hayes’ side ably shut down Orlando Pride attacking threat Barbra Banda, currently the National Women’s Soccer League team-mate joint top scorer, and her dangerous Zambia team-mate Racheal Kundananji.
Trinity Rodman, one of seven US players making their Olympic debut, opened the scoring with a 17th-minute strike from the fringes of the penalty spot, the assist coming from now three-time Olympian Lindsey Horan.
Mood. pic.twitter.com/ZlXvxhhO2U
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 25, 2024
Two Mallory Swanson goals inside as many minutes, assisted by Horan and Sophia Smith respectively, extended the Americans’ lead to 3-0 by the 25th minute.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here