Young Stars Lead USA into matchup With Japan
The United States Women’s soccer team closed out an undefeated group stage effort with a convincing 2-1 victory over Australia yesterday. In the first major tournament since the hiring of new head coach Emma Hayes, the new-look team has won three games in a row, outscoring opponents 9-2. The group has been led by a youthful but dominant frontline. Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman have combined for seven goals.
With long-time leader Megan Rapinoe retiring after America’s disappointing 2023 World Cup, and Hayes making the big call to leave Alex Morgan off the squad, the young stars have responded. Next up for the USWNT is Japan, a quality team who emerged from the tournament’s Group of Death along with Spain. The U.S. and Japan have a storied rivalry, including two World Cup Finals, with Japan winning on penalties in 2011 and the United States avenging the loss four years later.
In other group stage news, Canada has battled through adversity to qualify for the quarterfinals. The Canadians have been the subject of controversy, after they were caught using a drone to film Team New Zealand’s closed practice. The defending gold medalists were docked six points but still managed to claw their way out of the group stage, with wins over New Zealand, France, and Colombia. Canada faces Germany next, one of four quarterfinals to be played on Saturday.
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