USWNT clinches Olympic quarterfinal spot with 'devastating' attack

[utlom]

After watching her players complete what she called a "mature performance" in their 4-1 victory over Germany here Sunday night, new United States women's national team coach Emma Hayes was typically blunt in describing how she felt. Her biggest positive? The team's attack, with Sophia Smith scoring twice, Mallory Swanson adding another for her third in two Olympic matches and substitute Lynn Williams closing the scoring to completely stifle any hope of a German comeback. "I think we were absolutely devastating when we needed to be," Hayes said, after the U.S. win booked her team a spot in the quarterfinals. Biggest negative? Some poor decision-making that led to Germany having more chances than it might have deserved, with goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher bailing out her teammates after some critical turnovers.

 

[tts.alexius]

After watching her players complete what she called a "mature performance" in their 4-1 victory over Germany here Sunday night, new United States women's national team coach Emma Hayes was typically blunt in describing how she felt. Her biggest positive? The team's attack, with Sophia Smith scoring twice, Mallory Swanson adding another for her third in two Olympic matches and substitute Lynn Williams closing the scoring to completely stifle any hope of a German comeback. "I think we were absolutely devastating when we needed to be," Hayes said, after the U.S. win booked her team a spot in the quarterfinals. Biggest negative? Some poor decision-making that led to Germany having more chances than it might have deserved, with goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher bailing out her teammates after some critical turnovers.

Emma Hayes was thrilled with the U.S. team's dominant attack and key saves, though she noted some sloppy play that allowed Germany more chances—thanks for sharing the detailed insight!