USWNT Beat Australia: Lady Yanks Sweep Group Stage!

MARSEILLE, France – The United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) closed out group play on a high note, by beating a resilient Australian Team, 2-1 in Marseille, France. With the victory behind them, the Lady Yanks will now relocate to Paris. Emma Hayes’ side have swept the group after an impressive performance over Germany. They will face a tough Japan team on Saturday.

The Japanese opened their Olympic play with by losing to World Cup champions Spain, 2-1. They then regrouped and went on to defeat both Brazil and Nigeria. They finished second in their group and will play Group B winners Team USA.

In their match against Australia, the Stars and Stripe’s came out on full attack and kept Australia’s back line up to six players on their heels. In the 43rd minute Sophia Smith set up Trinity Rodman’s with a header well within the box. The one bounce ball was positioned perfectly in front of the oncoming Rodman, who stabbed the ball.

The goal was Rodman’s second of the tournament and Smith’s second assist. With her assist on Rodman’s goal, Smith now has nine goal involvements in her last eight games for the USWNT.

Late in the second half Korbin Albert scored. Sophia Smith’s pass toward the right channel was cleared by a defender straight to Albert at the top of the penalty arc at the top of the box. She crushed a shot from 25-yards. 

With that, the Lady Yanks are headed to the quarterfinals. They play Saturday August 3 at 7 a.m. MT against Japan. The winner will advance to the semifinals and be guaranteed to play for a medal before the games end.

Photo Credit: John Babiak

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