The U.S. women’s national team defeated Australia 2-1 on Wednesday to set up a date with Japan on Saturday in the quarterfinals. Trinity Rodman opened the scoring and Korbin Albert for the second in the second half as the Americans finished the group stage with a perfect 3-0-0 record.
How did everyone perform in the match? Take a look at our player ratings:
Goalkeepers
Alyssa Naeher
USA • GK • #1
Faced a dangerous shot in the first half and closed out the first 45 minutes. Scrambled a bit late in the second half and wasn’t as confident on 50/50 scenarios. Rating: 7
Defenders
Good collaboration with the backline when lower in position and connected in the attack when the team shape was patient on offense. Subbed out near the hour mark and had another game with good chemistry alongside Rodman. Rating: 7
Spent more parts of the first half in distribution, but stepped in on an open look by Mary Fowler to help shift the shot wide. Had a good look at goal from distance off a set piece and blocked a shot on the hour mark. Rating: 7
Emily Sonnett
USA • D • #14
First start of the tournament in place of an injured Tierna Davidson. Was vocal in communication on the backline and connected with Girma while being effective in distribution. Rating: 7
Crystal Dunn
USA • F • #19
Heavily involved in the attack as an extra outlet up the flank and good look on goal to force an early save. She won fouls and was a presence in the final third early in the opening half and had a clearance. Came off at halftime for Jenna Nighshwonger Rating: 7.5
Midfielders
Will miss the quarterfinal match after picking up another yellow in the opening three minutes of the game. Worked her way into the game. Rating: 6.5
Lindsey Horan
USA • M • #10
Took some punishment in the first half as the squad tried to establish the tempo. Was often an outlet and was looking for the open lane. Was an asset in facilitating and restarting attacks. Rating: 7
Rose Lavelle
USA • M • #16
Excellent movement despite narrow channels against Australia’s low block. Won corners and had effective service on set pieces and was often looking for the final pass into the box. Rating: 8
Forwards
Trinity Rodman
USA • F • #20
Was a frequent problem out wide for the Matildas despite the low block. Strong in ball progression and got the attack in dangerous spaces. Delivered the opening goal with a toe poke off a corner. Rating: 8
Sophia Smith
USA • F • #11
Good interchange alongside her fellow forwards and won the ball off a corner delivery to nab an assist on the opening goal. Rating: 7.5
Another game with constant movement. Got into dangerous spaces and had early looks on goal to challenge the goalkeeper. Rating: 7.5
Substitutions
Lynn Williams
USA • F • #6
Subbed into the game for Trinity Rodman. Good positioning and was an experienced presence on the top line to help close out the game in counter-press moments. Rating: 7
Jenna Nighswonger
USA • D
Subbed on in the second half for Dunn. Had good inverted runs and got involved in the attack as an extra option and made good recovery runs. Rating: 7
Korbin Albert
USA • M • #15
Subbed in for Lavelle but slotted into as defensive mid. Picked up a yellow card in her first touch of the game but made up for it with an insurance goal in the 77th minute. Rating: 7.5
Subbed into the game for Emily Fox. Was a reliable option to help close out the game defensivly. Rating: 7
Croix Bethune
USA • M • #7
Was a late-match sub for Mallory Swanson and made her Olympic debut. Rating: N/A
Head coach
Emma Hayes: The USWNT manager made minor adjustments ahead of the final matchday but it paid off. She’ll have her hands forced for adjustments for knockouts with yellow card accumulation and injury. Rating: 7.5
