US Women's National Team Faces Scoring Challenges in Olympic Opener

Emma Hayes, manager of the US women’s national soccer team, is grappling with a significant hurdle as her squad heads into the Olympics in France: a lack of finishing ability. Despite a promising start with a 1-0 victory over Mexico and a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica, the team’s offensive struggles were evident, with only one goal from 18 shots on target. The players maintained their morale despite missed opportunities, showcasing a determined attacking spirit during their match against Zambia. In their match against Zambia, the USWNT dominated possession with 78% and registered 27 shots, eight of which were on target. The team could have easily taken an early lead, with several clear chances in the first 16 minutes. The absence of star forward Alex Morgan, who has scored 123 goals for the team, raised questions about the squad's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Smith, initially positioned as a center forward, made a strategic move to the left flank. She assisted Horan, who then set up Rodman for a well-executed goal, demonstrating the team's potential when plays are executed effectively. However, Hayes acknowledged that the team should have converted more chances and controlled the game better, indicating room for improvement as they progress in the tournament.