The America The girls won 4-1 Germany Sunday’s Olympic football tournament in Group B promises a place in the quarter-finals after two wins from two games.
The American attack dominated the first half in Marseille, with Sophia Smith scoring twice and Mallory Swanson rebounding from a star strike from Smith for the Americans’ third goal as Germany briefly leveled the score. Distance shot by Julia Quinn.
The Americans are playing their first major tournament under new coach Emma Hayes, who took over the U.S. team in late May.
Hayes has the responsibility to lead the Americans as they look to pull themselves back from the disappointment of last summer’s round of 16 loss at the Women’s World Cup.
The USWNT is the winningest Olympic team with four gold medals. The Americans won bronze at the Tokyo Games under former coach Vladko Antonovski, who resigned following the World Cup.
Smith started for the US after leaving the opener in the first half with what appeared to be an ankle injury.
Ten minutes into the match, Smith headed a cross from Trinity Rodman past German goalkeeper Katrin-Anne Berger.
Quinn equalized in the 22nd minute with a low, bouncing shot from outside the penalty area that eluded diving American goalkeeper Alyssa Neher.
Swanson puts the U.S. back in 26th place. Berger punched away an attempt by Smith from distance, but Swanson grabbed the rebound for a goal. It was Swanson’s third Olympic goal.
Swanson is the second player to score three goals on the team in an Olympics, joining Abby Wambach in 2012.
Smith scored his second goal in the 44th minute with a high arcing shot.
Substitute Lynn Williams added the final goal in the 89th minute as fans chanted “USA! USA!” Time flew by.
American defender Tierna Davidson left the match with an injury and was replaced by Emily Sonnett.
Alexandra Popp left in the 76th minute with what appeared to be a right leg injury. It was a blow for Germany, who were already without midfielder Lena Oberdorf (knee).
The U.S. plays Australia in Marseille to close out group play and could top the group with a draw or a win. Germany will face Zambia in Saint-Etienne after beating Australia 3-0 in their Olympic opener.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
