The United States women’s soccer team delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over South Korea in a pre-Olympics friendly, marking a strong debut for new coach Emma Hayes. A sell-out crowd in Commerce City, Colorado, witnessed the team showcase their resurgence after recent setbacks.
Mallory Swanson opened the scoring in the 34th minute, converting a pass from Sophia Smith. The American team, brimming with confidence, saw defender Tierna Davidson double the lead four minutes later from a set-piece and then add a header early in the second half. Swanson sealed the triumph with her second goal in the 74th minute.
Hayes, renowned for her animated coaching style, appeared upbeat as she directed her players. Appointed in November but only joining the team full-time last month after clinching her seventh WSL title with Chelsea, the 47-year-old coach has emphasized maintaining the team’s “American DNA” while injecting her expertise.
Under Hayes’ leadership, the motivated squad aims to rebound from their disappointing World Cup performance last year. With less than two months before they begin their Olympic campaign against Zambia in Paris, Hayes has quickly demonstrated her capability to guide the four-time gold medallists towards success.
The U.S. team will face South Korea again on Tuesday in St. Paul, Minnesota, providing another opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming Olympics.
