It’s July 26, 2024. Give us four minutes, we give you everything The Women’s Game at the Olympics.
Happy Friday, TWG readers! I write to you after a good night’s sleep last night knowing that our USWNT is off to a good start at the Olympics. I can’t lie- I was nervous before the game! Considering our scoreless send-off game against Costa Rica, I just couldn’t wait to see us get that first goal and relieve some pressure. And boy, am I relieved- 3-0 is a solid start and we’re off and running now.
I went live after the game yesterday with the USWNT and Gotham FC’s Midge Purce on our YouTube channel. Midge was incredible- she called out Canada to “cheat better,” gave us the first edition of Midge’s Fashion Minute, and impersonated the USWNT players at halftime. It was so much fun for me to be part of, and I hope you all enjoyed watching! If you missed it, it’s available today as a podcast too.
I’m busy getting ready to record with England international Georgia Stanway to preview the Germany game on Sunday. Georgia plays her club football for Bayern Munich and has some insight into this German team that I need to hear before the game. That interview will be up wherever you get your podcasts tomorrow, Saturday, ahead of Sunday’s game. After the game, I’m going live AGAIN with Rog on the TWG YouTube. We are loving that we get to watch this tournament with you all, every step of the way, and experience it together. I have a feeling the drama is only just beginning.
Stay tuned for more from us by following along on social media, @womensgamemib on IG, X, TikTok, and Threads. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and podcast feed and you won’t miss a thing. It’s crunch time everyone. Let’s go USA!
Love,
Sam
I. USA start their Olympic campaign with 3-0 win in Nice 🇺🇲
The Emma Hayes era is off to an encouraging start, as the four-time Olympic gold medalists beat an overmatched Zambia 3-0 in Nice, settling nerves and showing medal-worthy potential.
a. Following a pair of warm-up friendlies that lacked goals and clinicality in the final third, Team USA showed their teeth in attack, taking just 25 minutes to accrue a 3-0 lead. The first to strike was 22-year-old Trinity Rodman, who unlocked the Zambian backline courtesy of an elite turn and crisp finish to make it 1-0 in the 17th minute. Mallory Swanson followed with two goals in the space of 66 seconds, setting a USWNT record for fastest consecutive goals in a major tournament. Swanson’s brace provided a moment of unbridled elation felt across the fanbase, after her agonizing 343 day spell out of the game with severe injuries that required three surgeries and kept her out of the World Cup. But as last night’s victory revealed on the Olympic stage: Mallory Swanson is back, at last, and so is the promise of a tournament-sharpened US attack. 🇺🇲
b. Zambia’s day hit bottom when 21-year-old Pauline Zulu picked up a red card in her Olympic debut that sent the Copper Queens down to ten players while already trailing 3-0. A team brimming with talent (including NWSL’s co-leader of the golden boot race Barbra Banda), Zambia performs at these games while battling unacceptable circumstances off the field. Their manager Bruce Mwape is undergoing investigations into sexual misconduct and yet somehow remains at the helm of the team which is an unfathomable reality in which to try and play elite football. As they head forward in Group B, playing Australia next, we wish them joy in their pursuit of success on this stage. Their players deserve more and must be protected. 🇿🇲
c. The game tapered off for the US in the second half. In the 43rd minute, Sophia Smith was removed with a knock we are anxiously hoping is minor, replaced by Good Vibes FC co-host and record-setting Gotham forward Lynn Williams. The inimitable Ohioan Rose Lavelle was also rested at the half for PSG midfielder Korbin Albert, and Emma Hayes (keenly aware of small rosters, tight turnarounds, and the impact of injury on this team) made use of every outfield player except Croix Bethune as she made ample substitutions. Record-setting NWSL rookie Croix was added to the game day roster for 19-year-old ascendant star Jaedyn Shaw, citing leg injury. Overall, the performance was an encouraging sign of their potential in this tournament, marked by joy-riddled elation of human journeys finally returning (or debuting) on the Olympic stage. We go again Sunday, against Germany. (3 PM EST, USA, Telemundo, Peacock) ♥️🇺🇲
II. Canada drone-gate mars opening day for the reigning gold medalists 🇨🇦🥇
a. Wild intrigue surrounding the Olympic women’s football tournament started earlier this week, as reigning gold medalists Canada were caught spying on New Zealand’s Football Ferns. With details still unfolding, New Zealand spotted drones flying over their training ahead of Saturday’s opening match in Group A. Investigations have since led to multiple dismissals from Canada’s coaching staff, which now includes head coach Bev Priestman, in addition to two assistant coaches sent home earlier in the week. Recent reports indicate Canada’s spywork predates this summer’s event and may be more pervasive than originally thought.
Also: ‘Canada men’s and women’s soccer teams have relied on drones and spying for years, sources say’
b. While some humorous memes have flowed surrounding the unexpected event, what’s been referred to as “drone-gate” is a genuine shock, and a tragedy for the players in the team. The program must be held accountable, but the scandal could potentially mar the performance of Canada’s deeply talented player pool, which remains rife with incredible humans and footballers. In last evening’s match, New Zealand did take an early lead from a well-executed set piece, but the Canadians fought back to victory (despite Football Ferns goalkeeper Anna Leat’s seven save performance) with goals from Cloé Lacasse and 27-year-old Roma forward Evelyne Viens off the bench (please note the assist from Friendlies pod guest and Portland Thorns midfielder Jessie Fleming in the game winning goal).
III. First round of Olympic group stage games offers elite entertainment across women’s football 🥇
a. In Group A, hosts France started their pursuit of a first major tournament trophy with a 3-2 victory over a riveting Colombia side coming off their strongest World Cup performance in program history. Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s brace was essential to the win for Les Bleues, reminding the world of the PSG striker’s importance to France, after she missed last year’s World Cup with a torn ACL. The hosts now move confidently on to face New Zealand and Canada having defeated one of the stronger teams they’ll face. 🇫🇷🇨🇦
b. In USA’s Group B, two-time World Cup champions Germany also had a strong start, as they defeated Australia with a statement 3-0 win. Emma Hayes take note: Die Nationalef are looking lethal in the air as they hammered home two headers from corners in a decisive victory. While the Matildas lacked the bite they’ll need to progress from Group B, they have two more games to find that trademark spark, starting with Zambia on Sunday night. Germany meets Team USA next in Marseille. 🇩🇪🇦🇺
Also: Injuries have rocked multiple national teams ahead of this summer’s Games, including Germany’s Die Natinoalelf, as 22-year-old remarkable midfield talent Lena Oberdorf tore her ACL just one week before the tournament. Germany honored Oberdorf throughout the match, including after one of their three goals as teammates Lea Schuller and Giulia Gwinn held their hands up in a number 6 (Lena’s number) for Oberdorf. 🇩🇪❣️
c. The “deathiest” of the death groups, Group C, delivered on the entertainment anticipated. Spain and Japan went toe-to-toe playing technically elite footy to leave even the most refined beautiful game connoisseurs satisfied. Nadeshiko Japan (the only team to beat Spain in their World Cup winning run last summer) took the early lead from an absolutely world class free kick, executed by 20-year-old Aoba Fujino of club side Tokyo Verdy Beleza. But La Roja grew into the game, looking like the free flowing tiki taka team we’ve come to fear. Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati calmly finished off a beautiful team buildup to bring Spain level in the 22nd minute. Bonmati went on to assist former Barcelona teammate and newly signed Arsenal forward Mariona Caldentey for the 2-1 win. 🇪🇸🇯🇵
d. Elsewhere in Group C, Brazil, who hope to win an Olympic medal to honor the final major tournament for living legend of the beautiful game, Marta, clinched a victory against nine-time WAFCON winners Nigeria. Marta started the match and wore the captain’s band in a momentous performance, as she assisted Gabi Nunes’ incredible goal to secure the 1-0 victory. 🇧🇷🇳🇬
More: Marta spoke with Sam on a recent episode of friendlies, and spoke about the Olympics, ushering in the next generation, competing with them for playing time and more (You can also WATCH on YouTube here) 🇧🇷
IV. News and Notes 📰🗞️
a. In the US, the inaugural Summer Cup has kicked off and continues amid the Olympic tournament. The Summer Cup features intracontinental competition between six Liga MX Femenil sides alongside all 14 NWSL teams in a 33 match rapid fire test. So far, NWSL teams have proved victors in their tests against Liga MX Femenil, as Racing Louisville, Angel City, Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns beat Monterrey, Club America, Guadalajara and Tijuana, respectively. With 10 games played, much remains to be seen. 🇺🇲🇲🇽
b. Chicago Red Stars defender Sam Staab, who recently broke a league record for consecutive regular season appearances, tore her achilles tendon and will miss the remainder of the NWSL season. The injury came during the first match of the newly launched Summer Cup tournament mentioned above. Staab’s absence from Chicago will be a massive blow to the seventh-ranked team, and comes amid growing displeasure surrounding crowded calendars that lack accountability for strains on players. 💔
c. Dynamic French forward Delphine Cascarino is the latest immense international talent to move her talents to the NWSL, as she departs European giants Lyon, the only club she’s ever called home. Cascarino is joining San Diego Wave through 2026, adding even more momentum to an incredible NWSL season that’s featured so many international stars bolstering the US based league. 🇫🇷
d. Center back Alana Cook is departing Seattle Reign for Kansas City Current, where she’ll rejoin her former USWNT manager Vlatko Andonovski (who she played for down under in the 2023 World Cup) in the second half of the NWSL season. Andonovski has led a redemptive club campaign with Kansas City after departing the USA managerial role, as the Current are second in the league behind only the undefeated Orlando Pride. Cook leaves behind a struggling Seattle side that’s sitting second to last, ahead of only expansion club Utah Royals. 🇺🇸
e. ICYMI: Team USA is playing Iceland twice in a pair of friendlies this October, gracing the cities of Austin and Nashville for the two tests. 🇮🇸
Join The Gist’s Women's Summer Soccer Bracket Challenge ⚽
Why let college hoops have all the fun? The GIST is launching its first-ever bracket challenge as the top women's soccer players compete on the world stage — so you can have some skin in the game.
It's not just a gold medal on the line — it’s your chance to enter for a chance to win cash prizes with your picks. Once eight teams advance out of the group stage, pick your winners for the quarter-finals, semifinals, and gold medal match. You can enter up to three brackets — but make sure you fill them out completely before the deadline.
The deadline to submit a bracket is Saturday, August 3 at 2:59 p.m. ET, before the first quarter-final match begins. Join so many — including some The Women’s Game members 👀 — in the challenge.
V. Parting Shots 🥃
Team USA’s captain in waiting, Naomi Girma, received the captain’s armband once again as US captain Lindsey Horan departed Thursday's match against Zambia. 24-year-old Girma has been a steady source of cool confidence in the American backline since the moment she stepped into it. Taking the band for a second time after she first did so against Korea Republic in Emma Hayes’ first match as US manager (she also received the band from Horan as the Colorado native was subbed out), Girma is a vision of the USWNT future that Emma is developing on the Olympic stage. 🇺🇲❣️
VI. Good Reads 📚
a. From Assile Toufaily in Forbes, ‘Why France needs to win the women’s soccer tournament’.
b. From Courtney Hill in Olympics.com, ‘Why there will never be another Marta’.
c. From Ed Dove in ESPN, ‘Inside Zambia’s WNT journey from 10-3 Olympic loss to world record transfers’.
d. From Henry Bushnell in Yahoo Sports, ‘The Paris Olympics’ first battleground: air conditioning’.
