PARIS (Aug. 10, 2024) – The United States Women’s National Team added to its record number of soccer gold medals Saturday afternoon in Paris, earning its fifth in Olympic Games history with a 1-0 win over Brazil at the famed Parc des Princes. The victory marked the third time (2004 and 2008) the Stars and Stripes have beaten the Seleção in a gold medal match.
Two US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) alumnae – Korbin Albert and Mallory Swanson — combined to break the deadlock in the 57th minute, with Swanson’s fourth goal of the Olympics being her most important. Albert split the Brazilian defense with a pass that found Swanson and put her through on goal, with a clinical finish slotted in the far corner being the contest’s lone score.
The United States’ roster of 18 featured USYS heavily, with 17 of the players – including Albert and Swanson – as well as head coach Emma Hayes, having ties to the largest youth sport organization in the country.
US Youth Soccer Alumnae
- Casey Murphy – Olympic Development Program and National Championship Series
- Alyssa Naeher – Olympic Development Program
- Emily Fox – National League and Olympic Development Program
- Naomi Girma – Olympic Development Program
- Casey Krueger – Olympic Development Program
- Jenna Nighswonger – Olympic Development Program
- Emily Sonnett – National League and Olympic Development Program
- Korbin Albert – Olympic Development Program
- Sam Coffey – Olympic Development Program
- Lindsey Horan – Olympic Development Program
- Rose Lavelle – National League and Olympic Development Program
- Crystal Dunn – Olympic Development Program
- Trinity Rodman – National Championship Series
- Sophia Smith – Olympic Development Program
- Mallory Swanson – Olympic Development Program
- Jaedyn Shaw – National Championship Series
- Lynn Williams – National Championship Series
Throughout its triumphant six-game run in Paris, the United States’ balanced roster – led by former regional USYS ODP coach Hayes – stood out on the world stage. Its defense, anchored by Olympic Development Program alumnae Naeher, Dunn, Girma, and Fox, earned four clean sheets, including one during every stage of the knockout rounds. With an impenetrable backline behind them, the United States’ front three of Rodman, Smith, and Swanson put the finishing touches on each opponent, with the US Youth Soccer alumnae combining for 10 goals during the event.
For Dunn, Naeher and Horan, the Paris Olympics marked their third time representing the Stars and Stripes at the Olympic Games after previously competing in Rio and Tokyo. Horan is the current team captain.
– USYS –
About US Youth Soccer
US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and one million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, coach and referee offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment at every level of the game.