The U.S. beat Germany, will play for Olympic gold for the first time since 2012 thanks to extra-time winner from an attacking Smith
If there was anything that this U.S. women's national team could learn from their quarterfinal win over Japan, it was this: sometimes all that it takes is one moment of magic. You can dominate a game, hold the ball, dictate the pace but, if that moment is missing, so is the result. Until you find it, everything is in the balance. Until you find it, everything can go right, and yet everything can go wrong.
Fortunately for the USWNT, they found it again in Tuesday's Olympic semifinal. All that it took was one: one pass from Mal Swanson, one shot from Sophia Smith and, ultimately, one step closer to the gold medal.
Smith secured the match-winner, finally providing that big moment in the USWNT's 1-0 win over Germany in extra time. They'd had several close calls before it: one-on-ones pushed away, chances cleared at the final moment, goals called back for offside. For a while, you had to wonder if the U.S. would regret their inability to take advantage of all the chances that fell their way.
With legs tiring, players cramping and nerves building – this was the USWNT's second straight 120-minute match in these Games, after all – Smith broke through. She made no mistake with her finish. And, as a result, the U.S. will end this tournament with a medal – the only question is whether it will be silver or will it be gold?
The USWNT has the most Olympic gold and most total medals in the history of the competition, winning four golds, one silver and one bronze, but hasn't reached the title game since London in 2012. The U.S. will now get a chance to play for it all against Brazil – which upset Spain in the semis – in the Gold Medal match Saturday at 11 am. ET.
It all comes down to one game and, as we now all know, one moment. GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Lyon.
GettyGoalkeeper & Defense
Alyssa Naeher (7/10):
Had a few good saves when called upon, including a fantastic one late. Germany was much more dangerous than in the group stage (that was a 4-1 win for the U.S.) but Naeher was up to the task.
Crystal Dunn (7/10):
Had to do so much defensive work, particularly with the midfield struggling. That didn't stop her from getting forward, though, as Dunn did what she always does during the attacking portions of the game.
Tierna Davidson (7/10):
Did very well in her return to the lineup, but only lasted 45 minutes before being replaced. That was unfortunate for her and the USWNT, simply because she was so steady.
Naomi Girma (8/10):
Just about perfect as usual. Even playing with two different partners, Girma never put a foot wrong, although she rarely ever does.
Emily Fox (7/10):
Shook off a knock to start, and the U.S. will be glad she did. Did so many little things defensively and was also tidy on the ball.
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Sam Coffey (7/10):
Had to do just about everything in the midfield as this team's single pivot. The U.S. was overrun at times, but it was Coffey's hard work that prevented Germany from ever breaking through.
Lindsey Horan (5/10):
She gets way too much criticism on social media, but this actually was a tough performance from the USWNT captain. Had a few bad giveaways and wasn't defensively strong enough to win the midfield battle with Germany. There were good moments and a few good chances, but not enough.
Rose Lavelle (6/10):
Had a few good moments, including one big chance in the first half. Her shot went right at the goalkeeper, though. Almost earned bonus points for a backheel nutmeg midway through the first half, but that's not quite how this works.
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Mallory Swanson (8/10):
Had so many chances, although a few of them were called back for offside. Eventually, though, she made her mark, playing a perfectly weighted ball to Smith for the eventual winner.
Sophia Smith (8/10):
To be fair, she was the quietest of the front three for most of the match, but Smith was loud when it mattered. Her finish booked the USWNT's chance at a gold as she scored her third goal of these Olympics. She could have had two more late, though, but couldn't quite put the game away.
Trinity Rodman (7/10):
On the attacking end, she was a menace as always, but she deserves a special shoutout for her defensive work. Rodman was absolutely relentless, and not just with the ball at her feet.
Subs & Manager
Emily Sonnett (7/10):
Stepped in at halftime and did her duty. Could argue that the U.S. was even more solid with her out there.
Lynn Williams (6/10):
Didn't got on the ball enough to make a difference.
Jenna Nighswonger (6/10):
Provided fresh legs in place of Dunn and did fine, but didn't change the game.
Korbin Albert (7/10):
Did fantastic defensively after being brought in for Horan.
Casey Krueger (N/A):
Brought in for the final 10 minutes to replace Swanson, who had run her race.
Emma Hayes (7/10):
Could she have been a bit more proactive with the subs? Absolutely, but it worked, didn't it? Hayes has this team in the Gold Medal game, which is all that could have been asked of her in this tournament.