USWNT player ratings: Mallory Swanson, Alyssa Naeher clinch gold medal for USA vs. Brazil at Paris Olympics

The U.S. women’s national team were as good as gold on Saturday, clinching the top honor at the women’s Olympic soccer tournament with a 1-0 win over Brazil. New coach Emma Hayes managed to lead her team to glory 12 years after the nation last won it back in London in 2012. It was not an easy game and required some late heroics, but it gets the Americans back to the summit of women’s soccer earlier than expected and ahead of the next World Cup. 

How did everyone perform to win Olympic gold? Take a look at our player ratings:

Goalkeepers

Had to deal with some strong angles in the sun to start the game and was tested in the opening two minutes with a forced save on a shot from her future Red Stars teammate Ludmila. Came up with a massive save to close out first-half stoppage time and put the team on her shoulders to deliver crucial saves late in the second half. Rating: 10

Defenders

Good decision-making in her positioning to shield off Brazillian attackers and intercept balls and provided one-on-one marking when needed throughout the entire game. Showed off another layer of chemistry with Trinity Rodman when working defensively. Rating: 7.5

Got put into some defensive recoveries early in the opening half as the U.S. midfielders struggled to get their footing. Seemed to struggle a little in the sun to start but came up with some key clearances and helped keep things scoreless. Rating: 7.5

Back in the starting lineup after dealing with a knee contusion. Provided a crucial recovery during the first half as Brazil played through the middle third. Was subbed out for Emily Sonnett.  Rating: 7

Got targeted with some overloads early but played out of pressure and was effective in breaking lines. Frequently tried to get on the ball and connect with attackers, but had to spent lots of time in defensive coverage throughout the match.  Rating: 7

Midfielders

Second start of the tournament and never looked fully comfortable, and eventually returned some of the physical play Brazil was presenting, but got a few warnings from the official for it. Had a better start to the second half and delivered an accurate long pass for Mallory Swanson’s goal. Rating: 7

Typically more comfortable higher up the pitch but not as connective as expected. Was trusted on free kicks but shot right into defensive walls. Did do lots of work physically and took some punishment in stoppage time to close out the game. Rating: 6.5

Had to spend more energy working defensively in the opening 30 minutes and had to figure out how to contain Brazil’s direct play through the middle. Had a better second half and was trusted to build out through the game and worked more efficiently with Korbin Albert and Lindsey Horan down the stretch. Rating: 7

Forwards

Worked the sidelines early with her trademark “Trin Spin” and won corners but had to spend a lot of energy providing defensive coverage. Somehow never looked outright fatigued despite plenty of minutes on her legs and putting in defensive shifts. Looked more dangerous in the second half in the final third. Rating: 7.5

Got the first shot off for the team early in the first half and made extra runs to get into better positions but didn’t provide more dangerous threats to start the match. She showed off her positional awareness and hold-up play on the goal by Swanson. Subbed out late in the game for Lynn Williams. An incredible re-introduction on the global stage during the tournament. Rating: 7

Won fouls early and provided service on corner kicks and tried to combine the final pass but didn’t connect right away. Had a promising long run on the ball into the box for the best look on goal in the first half but her shot was saved. Scored the winning goal with a clinical finish face-to-face against the goalkeeper.  Rating: 8.5

Substitutions 

Subbed into for Tierna Davidson to help close the game with a narrow lead and helped deliver some clearances inside the box. Rating: 7

Subbed on for Sophia Smith late in the match. Not enough time for impact but provided fresh legs for coverage.  Rating: 7

Subbed in late for Swanson to close out the game. Rating: N/A

Head coach

Emma Hayes: The USWNT head coach took a risk by rolling out her changes to the midfield and starting Rose Lavelle on the bench and rotating Albert into the mix. Eventually, the gamble paid off, as the team’s “believe ball” meter was off the charts and inspired by impressive defensive play through Alyssa Naeher and a big goal by Swanson.  Rating: 7.5