The US won a key position in women's soccer with a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in extra time for third place in the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Colombia. Full of amazing twists and turns, the USWNT found the best finish it had seen in a dozen years.
Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).
The Road to Victory
Intense was this clash between the U.S. and the Netherlands, as both teams used high-quality soccer. The U.S., after some early pressure, managed to capitalize with a very fast-played ball that involved Pietra Tordin and Gisele Thompson before Ally Sentnor reached the finishing touch. Dutch goalkeeper Femke Liefting was crucial in preventing what could've been an early second goal.
However, the game dynamic changed right after the Dutch response: Iris Remmers sent a sure-footed pass to Fleur Stoit, who found Robine Lacroix in the perfect position to equalize before halftime. It showed that the Netherlands' technical skill and precision from the No. 10 would not go down without a fight.
U.S. Resilience and the Extra Time Decision
But the second half included a surprising interlude when U.S. player Jordynn Dudley went down with an injury, bringing tension and loads of stoppage time. The Netherlands almost won it in regular time as Eva Oude Elberink hit the post. But fate had more in store for the USWNT.
Going into extra time, Maddie Dahlien was the most influential player on the pitch. Her pace and drive created a number of opportunities that finally paid dividend in the 119th minute. After beating a couple of players down the left flank, Dahlien drove a shot which Nayomi Buikema, a Dutch defender, turned into her own net in freakish fashion. The Netherlands were bitter; the U.S. was all over for pure joy, having won the bronze medal.
A Landmark for U.S. Women's Soccer
This victory in Colombia clinched the U.S.' highest placing in a U-20 World Cup since their 2012 championship. More than the third-place finish, the tournament had marked the emergence of a highly talented group which will form a crucial part of the women's soccer landscape of the United States in coming years.
Coached by Tracey Kevins, the team finished third while putting on a remarkable display of depth and range in the tournament. One great illustration of this was Maddie Dahlien, who started every game off the bench but made all the difference when it really counted. Her pace, coupled with her ability to change the pace of the matches, became vital to the success of the team.
Along with Dahlien, other players like Pietra Tordin, who paced the team in goals, with Ally Sentnor, who stamped herself as one of the squad's top forwards proved that the future of U.S. women's soccer is in good hands. One of its greatest strengths was balance in the makeup of experience and young stars.
Challenges and Triumph
But that road to bronze was not exactly easy, despite all the brilliance on display. Like many groups of said caliber, the USWNT struggled almost throughout the tournament, often with small defeats against great teams such as Spain and North Korea. However, several moments were indicative of the team's resilience and fight to bounce back, especially with the extra-time victory over Mexico and the penalty shootout victory over Germany.
But then again, one attribute that perhaps defined this team is the fighting spirit of the U.S. players, even at those most embattling moments. It can only reflect in their character the winning mentality that defines U.S. women's soccer.