US Soccer is fun again... for the moment

What is this feeling? Happiness? Hope? Optimism? Fun?

No… no it can’t be!

There is a seismic shift of emotion after the constant disappointments of the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America.

Things are coming up aces for both the men and women’s soccer teams representing the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics. A mostly U-23 men’s outfit and a reinvigorated Emma Hayes led women’s team are each headed to their respective quarterfinal.

Let’s start with the USWNT.

Head coach Emma Hayes, known for her tactical acumen, took a conservative approach in the Group B finale against Australia. With a quarterfinal berth already secured, Hayes opted for minimal changes to the starting lineup, bringing in Emily Sonnett to bolster the defense while resting center back Tierna Davidson, who is nursing a knee contusion. Notably, she fielded Sam Coffey and Trinity Rodman, both on the cusp of suspension with yellow cards hanging over their heads.

The contrast from last summer's World Cup could not be more striking. At that tournament, the USWNT managed just four goals in three group stage matches, ultimately falling to Sweden in the round of 16. This time, the team has exploded for seven goals in two games, with the front line of Sophia Smith, Mal Swanson, and Trinity Rodman all finding the back of the net. Their synergy and selflessness were evident in the way they spoke about each other's contributions.

"Any way I can contribute to this team, I'm going to do it," Swanson emphasized. "It doesn't matter who's scoring, as long as we're getting the results we need."

Lynn Williams, who scored a vital second-half goal against Germany, encapsulated the team's ethos of perseverance and collective effort. Originally an alternate, Williams has seized her opportunities with both hands, showcasing her commitment and quality. Head coach Emma Hayes praised her, saying, "A player who epitomizes everything you want in a squad, someone who cares, someone who trains with great intensity, someone who’s intentional. Everything she does is deserving of what she got tonight."

Despite the impressive victories, Hayes and the team are not resting on their laurels. The upcoming match against Australia poses a new set of challenges, particularly with key players like Sam Coffey suspended and injury concerns for others like Tierna Davidson. Hayes acknowledged the need for continuous improvement, stating, "We’re not here to wow everyone for a game and not do it again. We have to build the momentum."

To finish out the group against Australia, Trinity Rodman delivered early, capitalizing on a scramble in the box to net the team’s opening goal. Her performance was cut short after the break as Hayes looked to manage her minutes, mindful of the bigger challenges ahead. Coffey, however, wasn't as fortunate, picking up a second yellow card in the fourth minute, sidelining her for the quarterfinals. Hayes’s decision to rotate later in the match proved crucial, with Korbin Albert coming off the bench to score a stunning goal, sealing a 2-1 victory and securing the top spot in Group B.

Korbin Albert: A Controversial Hero

Korbin Albert’s name has been on everyone’s lips this year, both for her on-field prowess and off-field controversies. The young midfielder, who has shown exceptional composure and skill, faced backlash for past social media posts that resurfaced, casting a shadow over her achievements. Despite the controversy, Hayes has publicly supported Albert, emphasizing her growth and commitment to the team. Albert’s recent performance, highlighted by a brilliant long-range goal against Australia, showcased her potential and importance to the squad. This goal, her first senior international strike, not only secured the win but also signaled that the USWNT has scoring threats beyond their star-studded frontline.

Hayes’s Lineup Decisions Under Scrutiny

Hayes’s conservative approach in the match against Australia has sparked debate. With a demanding tournament schedule, questions arose about the lack of rotation, especially with key players at risk of suspension or injury. The decision to start Coffey, who quickly earned a yellow card, has left the team without a crucial defensive midfielder for the upcoming clash against Japan. The USWNT will now face a challenging lineup adjustment, potentially pushing Sonnett into midfield and introducing less experienced players like Casey Krueger or Emily Sams into the backline.

VAR Controversy Adds Drama

The match against Australia wasn’t without its drama, as a VAR controversy over Rodman’s opening goal brought the game to a temporary halt. Australian players argued Coffey was offside and interfered with play, leading to a lengthy review process that included communication issues with the refereeing team. The decision to uphold the goal added another layer of tension, with Australia’s head coach Tony Gustavsson voicing his frustration post-match.

Looking Ahead: A Test Against Japan

Japan, known for their disciplined play and tactical awareness, will test the USWNT’s depth and adaptability, especially with Coffey’s suspension and Davidson’s uncertain status. The game, set in Paris’s Parc des Princes, will be a crucial test of Hayes’s strategic acumen and the team’s resilience.

The USWNT will play on Saturday, August 3, at 9:00 am Eastern, as they look to advance further in the tournament.

USMNT Returns to Olympic Knockout Rounds After 24 Years

For the first time in 24 years, the USMNT has reached the knockout rounds of Olympic soccer. The last appearance in the tournament was in 2008, and the last advancement was at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where they narrowly missed a medal, losing to Chile in the bronze medal match.

In a decisive group stage finale on Tuesday, the U.S. secured their spot with a commanding 3-0 victory over Guinea. The match was marked by early dominance, with Colorado Rapids midfielder Djordje Mihailovic opening the scoring with a sublime free kick into the top corner. VfL Wolfsburg winger Kevin Paredes doubled the lead, capping off an impressive solo run with a clinical finish.

The U.S. entered the match knowing they needed to match or exceed New Zealand's result to advance from Group A. Their early goals set the tone, while group leaders France assisted by defeating New Zealand 3-0. This outcome allowed the U.S. to finish second in Group A, securing a quarterfinal berth.

The journey continues on Friday at 9am Eastern, when the U.S. faces Morocco at the same place the Women will continue their journey - the Parc des Princes. Morocco, which topped Group A, had a dramatic group stage, highlighted by a contentious VAR decision in their win over Argentina and a dominant 3-0 victory against Iraq.

Under head coach Marko Mitrovic, the U.S. has employed a pragmatic approach, prioritizing defensive solidity. The backline, anchored by experienced center-backs Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman, alongside full-backs John Tolkin and Nathan Harriel, has been crucial.

Mitrovic's tactical decisions were evident in the lineup against Guinea. Injured playmaker Gianluca Busio was replaced by the more defensively-minded Maximilian Dietz, while Griffin Yow was preferred over hold-up striker Duncan McGuire to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

The U.S. doubled down on their defensive commitment in the second half, reducing Guinea to speculative shots from distance. This disciplined approach was rewarded when Paredes added a second goal, a stunning left-footed strike that sealed the win.

Mihailovic and Paredes have been instrumental in the U.S. attack, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive output. They combined for 13 of the team's 34 chances, scoring four of the seven goals. Their withdrawal in the second half was a precautionary measure to ensure their fitness for the quarterfinal clash.

Overall, the U.S. can take pride in their cohesive and disciplined group stage performances. With an average of 11.3 chances created per game, they ranked among the top teams in the tournament, while their 1.9 expected goals per game edged out even the likes of Spain. Defensively, their duel success rate of 54.5% is among the best in the competition, reflecting a well-rounded team effort.

Mitrovic's squad has embraced a classic tournament strategy: strong defense and efficient use of attacking opportunities. This balanced approach has paid dividends, positioning the U.S. as a formidable medal contender.

They’ll face a Moroccan side that reached the 2022 World Cup semifinals. The two nations’ under-23 squads faced off in a friendly last November, where Morocco claimed a 1-0 victory. Many players from that match are part of the current U.S. roster, eager to avenge that loss and advance further in the tournament.

Friday and Saturday for me at least are days I’m very much looking forward to, and I haven’t felt that way in a long time. What do I do with my hands?!