Horan’s Strike Sends USWNT to SheBelieves Cup Final vs Canada 

Atlanta, GA. – Thirty seconds after the first whistle blew to kick-off the 2024 SheBelieves Cup tournament, Team Japan practically silenced a booming NFL-like crowd of nearly 51,000 spectators, when they raced out of the gate and throttled an unimpeded shot past Team USA’s goal tenet. The embarrassing moment not only astonished the fans, but more so, FIFA’s high-ranking United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT).

Not only was it one of the quickest goals the USWNT has ever allowed, the momentary slap to the face brought out a ferocious demeanor in the Lady Yanks. That said, their offended air did not change until the final three whistles of the testy match sounded.

In a blink of an eye, Japan’s Kiko Seike received a long ball on the flank, raced into the penalty box past several flat-footed Americans and unleashed a laser past goalie Alyssa Naeher. The ball bounced off her right post and square into the back of the home team’s net.

From then on, the USWNT took command and out hustled, passed, possessed and shot their very resolute opponents.

What fans in Atlanta’s multipurpose Mercedes Benz Stadium witnessed, as well as, those watching a mix of a few million viewing screens, were two top-flight teams who are both destined to play in the Summer Olympics. The USWNT won the bronze medal at the COVID-postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Japan finished empty-handed.

With only five games remaining before the U.S. coaching staff selects 18 players and four alternates to travel to France, each and every so called ‘friendly’ to be played through the middle of July will be serious affairs, particularly for players vying for a position on the team’s roster.

One rising star, Jaedyn Shaw, is leveraging each and every opportunity awarded to her to make the Olympic Team. In the 21st minute, Sam Coffey picked-off a defender during a full press and found Shaw drifting in at the top of the box. Her precise pass split two defenders. Shaw launched a low salvo into left corner from some 20 yards out to tie up the game. The impressive goal marked her seventh international goal, and team-leading fifth in 2024.

Colorado’s trio of Lindsey Horan, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson played with intense spirit and tenacity. Horan played rough and tumble box-to-box football and Smith came-on as if she was shot out of a cannon. Later, the two would set the table to win the game.

For Swanson, who surprisingly started over Smith, the game came with significance. Nearly a year-ago to the afternoon, the Highlands Ranch native wrecked her knee against an unruly Ireland team in Austin, Texas.

The popular attacking winger not only tore a patella tendon, she also lost out on playing, in top form, during the 2023 Women’s World Cup Tournament. Many experts concur had she been injury free, she would have given the Yanks some much need energy that perhaps would have carried the tournament’s favorites into the finals.

Swanson’s 79-minutes of high octane, no-fear effort brought the patriotic crowd to their feet when she was substituted off for defender Crystal Dunn.

She had several runs into the box and a near miss shot on goal in the 14th minute of the back and forth game.

“I think being able to have 50,000 people support us, rally behind us and as always, like the fans are amazing, and they support us so much, and we feel it, we hear it and I’m just super thankful and I know the team is as well,” said Swanson after the match.

While Swanson is still regaining her form both with Team USA and the NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars, her play against Japan did have imperfections. 

With nearly 130 days of weekly league games and training to iron out any and all issues, Swanson’s dogged return was both a blessing and relief for U.S. supporters.

Interim head coach Twila Kilgore raved about Smith performance, albeit starting at the 63 minute mark for the one-time shoe-in starter.

“She was just incredible today. She’s a competitor, someone we would feel comfortable starting, those are just decisions we make on the day. Especially when you are preparing for an Olympic tournament, it’s about starting players on a day rather than having ‘starters.’ Every single one of them is there because you’re confident you can start them.”

Smith ignited the U.S. attack and played roles in several scoring chances, before she dashed past two defenders, and was cut down inside the penalty area. 

Kilgore added about Smith, “I thought she went in and made a tremendous impact. She did the defensive work first, which isn’t always a forward’s favorite thing to do.” The skipper continued, “She understood the moment. She’s a true pro, something I know about her is she wants to be the best at everything, she’s willing to hold herself accountable and work harder than anyone else while she’s doing it. In the future, there’s even more for her.”

The U.S was awarded a penalty kick, and Lindsey Horan converted it in no-time to put her team up for good.

With the penalty kick, Horan has now scored three goals in her last four games. All have resulted in game-winners, including her easy-peasy header in San Diego that sealed the team’s title win in the inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup earlier this year.

Postgame, a delighted Horan spoke about the energy in the stadium, “I mean, you see this in women’s football around the world and I think that was amazing to see from from this city and to have them behind us entire game, especially now going down early.” Horan continued, “It’s always like having an extra man on the field. Having that kind of crowd atmosphere and cheering it was it was so cool to see.”

Metro-Atlanta will soon be the home of the new United States Soccer Federation National Training Center and headquarters. According to U S. Soccer, the first-of-its-kind comprehensive center at an estimated cost of $200 million, $50 million of which will be covered by a pledge from Atlanta United owner, Arthur Blank. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to be held next week.

With yesterday’s win, the USA moves on to play in the SheBelieves Cup final against Canada on Tuesday, April 9 at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. 

The Canadians defeated Brazil on penalty kicks, 4-2, after the game concluded, 1-1, in regulation time.

Canada is also heading to Paris this summer. They are the defending champions of the 2021 games.

Photo Credit: John Babiak

Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. Support us via our Patreon starting at $5/month. We’re always looking for new talent. Let us know if you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer.