U.S. Women's National Team goes all out for gold at the Olympics

The US women's national soccer team put on a show and secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Olympics with an impeccable performance. With three wins in three games and a total of nine goals scored, the Americans have shown why they are one of the forces in the race for Olympic gold. Their recent 2-1 win against Australia, with goals from Trinity Rodman and Korbin Albert, only cemented their top spot in Group B.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

It's interesting to note that this is only the second time that the Americans have won all their group matches in their eight Olympic appearances, something that only happened in 2012. And guess what? That time, they ended up with the gold medal. Now, with coach Emma Hayes at the helm, the team is determined to repeat that feat. The next challenge will be against Japan, reviving a historic rivalry that promises strong emotions.

The American defense is also noteworthy, having conceded just two goals so far. The “Triple-Edged Sword”, made up of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson, is simply unstoppable. These three forwards have been the backbone of the US attack, with at least one of them playing a direct part in every goal scored so far. In the game against Australia, the victory was sealed with a spectacular long-range shot from Korbin Albert.

Coach Emma Hayes opted to keep most of her starting players, even with the demanding run of games, changing only Tierna Davidson, who was injured. Emily Sonnett came on in her place, while the other 10 players maintained the consistency that has been the team's trademark.

Australia's tactic of playing with a low block, focusing on defense, proved ineffective against the USA's constant pressure. With overwhelming possession, the Americans didn't let the Matildas' defensive tactics get the better of them. Even with an early yellow card for Sam Coffey, which will rule her out of the quarter-finals, the team maintained control of the game.

Rodman, always a threat, almost opened the scoring early on, and Crystal Dunn and Lindsey Horan also came close. The insistence finally paid off with a corner that Rodman converted just before half-time. It was her second goal of the tournament, confirming her importance to the team.

In the second half, Australia tried to respond, but the American defense was well positioned. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made crucial saves, and even when Hayes started making strategic substitutions, the USA's dominance didn't let up. Young Korbin Albert then sealed the victory with a stunning goal, becoming the first American woman to score her first international goal at the Olympics.

Australia still managed a consolation goal in injury time through Alanna Kennedy, but it was too little too late. The American victory was secured and now the focus turns to the quarter-finals against Japan, a team they have faced several times before in major competitions, including the Olympics and the World Cup. With a record of 31 wins, one loss and eight draws against Japan, the Americans are confident, but know that the challenge will be great.

The memories of the Parc des Princes are sweet for the Americans, having won twice there during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. Now they're hoping to add another significant victory to that list by advancing to the semi-finals and eventually playing for the gold medal.

The numbers don't lie: the USA are on an upward trajectory, with solid offensive and defensive performances. Confidence is high, and the team is determined to continue its winning ways. The next stages of the tournament will be challenging, but with the quality and determination shown so far, there is no doubt that the Americans are a strong contender for gold.