USWNT’s new roster twist: will they dominate Iceland after Olympic triumph?

Coming off of a summer of highs and lows, the U.S. Women's National Team returns to the pitch still aglow from Olympic victory. This Thursday, October 24th, at Q2 Stadium in Austin, reigning Olympic champions take to the pitch against Iceland in what is sure to be an exciting and hard-fought matchup. Now, it paves the way for another victorious chapter for the team, which defeated Brazil 1-0 in the final of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

This is the first outing for the team following a gold victory. With the talented coach Emma Hayes at the helm of affairs, it is not going to be any other soccer match. This is one of reunion with success and a chance to test new players-blending experience with youthful energy.

The Power of the " Triple Express"

There's a deeper success entwined with the form of USWNT's forward three-known as "Triple Express": Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman. Between them, these three accounted for a torrent of goals and assists at the Olympics, netting 10 of their team's 12 goals. The unfortunate news is that Rodman will be unable to play in this match due to a back injury, but barometers on Smith and Swanson are expected to be sky-high.

In his absence, without Rodman, the door opens for other emerging stars to make themselves known. Forwards Alyssa Thompson and Ashley Sanchez return to the squad, both part of the 2023 World Cup roster, with a burning fire in their bellies to leave their mark and nail down critical offensive options for the team.

Rebuilding the Roster: A New Generation of Talent

Along with the well-known stars, the coach Emma Hayes has called up six uncapped players, a commitment that certainly is clear toward this renewal of the squad and finding other tactics. These include Eva Gaetino, from Paris Saint-Germain, and Alyssa Malonson, who shone in the NWSL and promising names for the American women's soccer future.

That only puts into perspective how competitive USWNT is. With every competition cycle, there are newer, fresher talents hanging to have a starting place in the team; hence, it continuously changes the dynamics of the team. Olivia Moultrie and Hailice Mace's return continues the roster revamp.

Dominant Record Against Iceland

When it comes to head-to-head history, the numbers don't lie: the U.S. has been domineering against Iceland, winning 13 out of 15 with two draws. The U.S. defense has been quite unbeatable in those matches, keeping as many as 12 clean sheets.

When the two last faced each other, back on February 23 in the final of the 2022 SheBelieves Cup, it was a pretty one-sided match in which the US strolled to a 5-0 win, with Catarina Macario and Mallory Swanson among the goals. With such historic dominance comes great expectation for the rematch, though do let's not forget: soccer is a funny old game sometimes, and Iceland simply have every incentive to get their own back following a fresh qualification for the 2025 Euro.

Q2 Stadium and the Texas Energy

Putting Q2 Stadium in Austin as the scene of this clash is about as fitting as it gets. Home of Austin FC in MLS, this would already be the third time that the USWNT take to this pitch, including a 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in April 2023.

Besides that, the team's record in Texas is spotless: 33 wins in 33 games, with a total scoreline of 134-13. So besides the perfect record in the Lone Star State, it adds extra boosts of confidence for the squad because they always seem to feel at home when playing in Texas.

Another big star who is supposed to steal the show in Austin is Emily Sonnett; she is about to reach a historic milestone. Having played 99 times, she is just one appearance away from reaching the coveted 100-cap milestone, making her the 45th in USWNT history. Sonnett is energetic and versatile, a key player throughout the Olympic campaign who could work both in midfield and backline positions. Her selection within the squad is for the books with commitment and hard work-which goes a long way in inspiring teammates and fans alike.

Iceland: An Emerging Opponent

But despite that now favorable history for the U.S., Iceland is not a team that is taken for granted. They come into this match off a solid campaign in the 2025 Women's Euro qualifiers, finishing second in their group to secure their ticket to the continental tournament and showing their strength as they defeated the powerful German side 3-0 this past July 2024.

Under the management of Coach Thorsteinn Halldórsson, Iceland is certainly a richly experienced side, including the likes of Glódís Viggósdóttir, who has gathered 128 caps and included among this year's nominees for the Ballon d'Or Féminin. Bayern Munich defender Viggósdóttir will be one of those who stands crucial in the defensive jousts against the Americans, with much responsibility likely to lie at her doorstep in repelling the high-powered attack of the Olympic champions.