GettyDid the U.S. incur any costs with questions surrounding Smith and Shaw despite their 3-0 victory and acquisition of three crucial points?
Once again, the focus is on the attack. It was bound to be the case from the start. The downfall of the U.S. women’s national team last summer was their inability to score goals. However, in their first Olympic match against Zambia on Thursday, the U.S. had no such problem.
It isn't all sunshine and butterflies, though, despite the decisive 3-0 win. Despite a near-perfect start to the Olympics, there are unexpectedly real concerns about the USWNT attack, which will need to be addressed if this team has visions of gold in these Games.
It was clear that there were several positives from the game. Mallory Swanson, who was absent last summer, showcased her dominance by scoring two goals within a minute. Trinity Rodman also proved to be a force to be reckoned with, as she scored an impressive goal of her own.
However, there are some negative aspects to consider. The injuries suffered by Sophia Smith and Jaedyn Shaw have had a significant impact on the team. Smith was forced to leave the game with a limp just before halftime, while Shaw didn’t even have the chance to play due to a knee injury. It is concerning that these injuries are occurring so early in the tournament, especially because they directly affect the team’s performance in a crucial aspect of the game.
Thursday brought a significant victory for the U.S., but it also brought some unease. The group stage will present more challenging opponents, and it is uncertain how the U.S. team will fare against them. The focus will be on the attack, as it will determine whether the team succeeds or fails.
GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Thursday's Olympic-opening win over Zambia.
