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The U.S. women’s national team is competing in a gold medal match at the Olympic Games for the first time since 2012. defeated Germany in extra time in the semi-finals on Tuesday, 1-0. Sophia Smith’s goal early in the first half of extra time provided the early difference, with Alyssa Naeher making a stunning foot save late on to secure the win. The Americans will now go for gold on Sunday against Spain or Brazil.
But how did everyone perform in the match? Check out our player ratings:
Goalkeepers
Alyssa Naeher
US • GK • #1
Was forced into a save in the opening 20 minutes and helped the defense stay organized as Germany worked in transition. Made good decisions during overtime to get the ball and keep the team in a good spot on the scoreboard. Saved the game late in the second half of extra time with her left foot on a ball that was sure to head in. Rating: 7.5
Defenders
Emily Fox
US • D • #23
Covered a lot of ground on the flank during defensive recovery during a more open first half and in ball progression for attacking scenarios. Had to manage a physical match but remained highly committed throughout and was reliable for longer minutes. Rating: 7
Naomi Girma
US • D • #4
Anchored the backline while the defenders functioned in a fluctuating three-player backline. Early in the first half he made a big tackle in the penalty area. Maintained the shape in the second half and also had good decision-making when choosing to attack, even in extra time. Rating: 8
Tierna Davidson
ARE YOU SAD
Returned to the starting lineup after missing two games with a knee contusion. She was a target on the first chances after corners, but the persistent injury meant a shorter day for her. Rating: 7
Crystal Dunn
US • F • #19
Won fouls early and was a constant focus for German defenders in physical play. Often played through or around mistakes and was an open outlet as an attacking option. Logged out for extra time. Rating: 7.5
Midfielders
A welcome return to the starting line-up and provided some defensive tidying up during the pressure moments of the first half. Did a good job finding the open lanes for passes to attackers, won fouls and had better defensive awareness throughout the game. Rating: 7.5
Lindsey Horan
US • M • #10
Dealt with some double teams and physicality early, but won some fouls despite missing some passes in the first half. Got a stop on some headers and had a good look later in the second half. Rating: 6.5
Rose Lavelle
US • M • #16
Another active game where she covered a lot of ground. Got involved in creating attacking sequences, forced German defenders onto their heels and had good service at corners in the first 45 minutes. Was still active on the ball in the second half, but dropped out on the hour mark. Rating: 7.5
Forward
Trinity Rodman
US • F • #20
Gave the Germans another chance when working up the sideline and won fouls and corners in the first half. Had to endure some heavy fouls but still worked the ball into the attacking third all game and had good looks from distance. Rating: 7
Sophia Smith
US • F • #11
Combined well with Lavelle and Swanson trying to get into the final third at the end of long passes. Had her pocket poked a few times in the first 45 minutes but didn’t let that affect her movement throughout the match, even in extra time when she scored a goal. Rating: 8
Mallory Swanson
US • F
Had good positioning throughout the first half as he functioned as a double nine and continued to move off the ball. I was tasked with playing lower after Lavelle was eliminated. Had the best look at goal in the second half but missed and made up for it with an excellent pass for an assist on Smith’s goal. Rating: 7.5
Replacements
Lynn Williams
US • F • #6
Rose Lavelle came into the game late. Was effective in counter-pressing and provided fresh legs to win the ball. Rating: 7.5
Emily Sonnett
US • D • #14
Filled in at center back for an injured Tierna Davidson. Combined well with Naomi Girma and made some key tackles to keep Germany’s attack at bay. Rating: 7
Jenna Nighswonger
ARE YOU SAD
Came in extra time for Dunn. Shocked the defensive coverage and did a good job shielding the ball to end the first overtime. Rating: 7
Korbin Albert
US • M • #15
I signed up for Horan to start extra time. Won an early foul and worked well with Sam Coffey to retain possession. Rating: 7
Extra time for Swanson. Had a good clearance to finish the match, but not enough time to do much else. Rating: N/A
Head coach
Emma Hayes: The USWNT manager was able to start the match with her preferred starting line-up, with Coffey back from yellow cards and Davidson from injury. Facing a much more difficult German team to break down, despite some stretches of open play, he instructed the players to make several in-game adjustments to formation and substitutions. But another game built on perseverance, determination and faith. Rating: 7