Team USA will compete for gold in women’s soccer after Sophia Smith struck a winner in extra time to defeat Germany at the Paris Olympics .
On Tuesday, the United States and Germany played out a goalless draw. But Smith sparked jubilant scenes at Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon when she scored the game’s only goal just five minutes into the additional period.
Chicago Red Stars forward Mallory Swanson played the ball into Smith, who was pressured by Germany defender Felicitas Rauch. But Smith stretched her leg out to flick the ball past goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
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Smith's winner came after new USWNT head coach Emma Hayes urged her to stay in the No. 9 position. "Emma’s biggest goal for me is playing in this No.9 position. "I tend to shift away from the box, but it’s about getting me to stay in the box and get those tap-in goals – the ones I tend to score," Smith told FIFA's website last month.
"She wants me to be that No.9 that’s in those areas and putting away finishes here and there. She’s always teaching us so many things. We absolutely love Emma."
Tuesday's game was a physical one of few chances and many fouls. Team USA had more shots than Germany in a tight first half, but the European nation had the better opportunities in the opening period.
While the young, exciting, and new forwards for the United States have received plenty of love throughout these Olympics, the midfield veterans deserved credit for maintaining control in the first half against Germany. Rose Lavelle and Lindsay Horan created opportunities to shoot, and their experience proved invaluable.
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However, the Germans displayed an aggression that appeared to catch Emma Hayes ’ team off-guard. In the second half, Trinity Rodman went down following a rough tackle, but the starlet made it to her feet and returned to action.
Germany suffered a blow with just over 10 minutes remaining in normal time. Marina Hegering was replaced by Biabiane Schulze Solano after going down with an injury, ending her day early when the defender was expertly keeping the Americans at bay.
The change opened the door for Team USA, with Smith striking early in extra time. She let out a passionate and relieved roar in celebration, collapsing to the grass as her jubilant teammates mobbed the forward.
Smith missed a fine one-on-one opportunity to seal the win late in extra time when she was brilliantly denied a second by Berger late. But the Germans could not snag an equalizer, condemning themselves to defeat and the bronze medal match on Friday.
The last time the USWNT made the Olympic final was in 2012 when they beat Japan to win their third consecutive gold medal. Team USA has four Olympic gold medals in women’s soccer. The United States will face either Brazil or Spain in the gold medal match. The game will be contested on Saturday, August 10.
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