The U.S. women’s team defeated Germany 4-1 on Sunday in Olympic soccer Group B, clinching a spot in the quarterfinals with a second straight win.
The Americans dominated the first half in Marseille, scoring twice from Sophia Smith and then Mallory Swanson smashed in a rebound from a great shot from Smith for the Americans’ third goal of the first half, while Germany briefly tied the game with a long-range shot from Julia Gwinn.
The U.S. team will be competing in its first major tournament under new coach Emma Hayes, who took over as head coach in late May.
Hayes will be tasked with leading the U.S. team as it looks to shake off the disappointment of its exit from the round of 16 at last summer’s Women’s World Cup.
The U.S. women’s national team is the winningest team at the Olympic Games with four gold medals. The U.S. won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics under coach Vlatko Andonovski, who stepped down after the World Cup.
Smith left the game in the first half with what appeared to be an ankle injury but later started for the USA.
Ten minutes into the game, Smith slotted a cross from Trinity Rodman past Germany goalkeeper Katrin Anne Berger.
Gwynn tied the score in the 22nd minute when her low, ricocheting shot from well outside the penalty area eluded the diving hands of U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naher.
Swanson put the United States ahead again in the 26th minute when Berger punched away a long-range shot by Smith, but Swanson picked up the rebound and scored his third goal of the Olympic Games.
Swanson became just the second player to score three points in an Olympic team event, joining Abby Wambach in 2012.
Smith scored his second in the 44th minute when his high, arcing shot hit the far post and rebounded into the goal.
Substitute Lynn Williams scored the winner in the 89th minute, and as time expired fans chanted “USA! USA!”
U.S. defender Tianna Davidson left the game with an injury and was replaced by Emily Sonnett.
Alexandra Popp was forced off in the 76th minute with an apparent right leg injury, a blow for Germany, who were already playing without midfielder Lena Oberdorf (knee).
The United States will close out their group stage against Australia in Marseille. A draw or a win will determine them top of the group. Germany, who beat Australia 3-0 in their Olympic opener, will face Zambia in Saint-Etienne.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
