Swanson fulfills sixth-grade yearbook prophecy with Olympic gold medal

The USWNT star’s prediction from her middle school yearbook has come true

Like many kids, Mallory Swanson dreamed of winning an Olympic gold medal. On Saturday, the U.S. women’s national team star became one of the rare athletes to actually make that childhood dream come true.

Swanson scored the only goal in the gold medal game, as the USWNT battled to a 1-0 victory over Brazil in Paris.

The strike capped off an excellent tournament for the 26-year-old, who led the team with four goals in France as she delivered a comeback performance for the ages after missing the 2023 World Cup with a knee injury.

The goal also made a dream come true that she articulated in her sixth-grade yearbook. Swanson, née Pugh, posted her yearbook photo on Instagram several years ago, with the caption: “Just a girl with a dream.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz6CYccF3DH/?hl=en&img_index=1

In addition to declaring her favorite sixth-grade memory to be outdoor ed, the youngster also said: “I want to be on the USA soccer team and win a gold medal.”

Roughly 14 years later, Swanson accomplished her lofty goal.

Swanson will add the gold medal to her World Cup title from 2019, as she continues putting together a resume that even her sixth-grade self would have scarcely imagined.

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Coaching legend Anson Dorrance retires after 21 NCAA titles, one World Cup

One of the all-time legends of American soccer is calling it quits

It is truly the end of an era, as University of North Carolina women’s soccer head coach Anson Dorrance has announced his retirement.

Dorrance has coached the UNC women’s soccer team since 1979, and also served as U.S. women’s national team head coach from 1986 to 1994.

The 73-year-old has built an incomparable resume during his time in the game. He leaves UNC as the all-time Division I leader for NCAA championships by a coach in any sport with 21.

In addition, he led the USWNT to the championship at the first ever Women’s World Cup in 1991.

“It is no exaggeration to say Anson Dorrance is one of the greatest collegiate coaches of all time, in any sport,” said UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts in a university release.

“He has trained many of the best players in the history of U.S. women’s soccer and has led our program through decades of unparalleled success. Coach Dorrance has shaped the sport for generations to come and leaves an unequaled legacy at Carolina.”

Dorrance, who was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame 2008, has coached a total of 59 Tar Heels who went on to play for the USWNT, including some of the program’s all-time greats like Mia Hamm, April Heinrichs, Carla Overbeck, Kristine Lilly, Heather O’Reilly and Tobin Heath.

There were two UNC alums on the 2024 USWNT Olympic gold medal roster, Emily Fox and Crystal Dunn.

The program has continued to produce star athletes, as UNC duo Ally Sentnor and Savy King went first and second overall in the most recent NWSL draft.

“As many of you know I modeled our program after Dean Smith’s basketball program, and retiring at this time is a credit to his thinking, as well,” said Dorrance. “He would re-evaluate his tenure, not after the season, but after he had time to recharge his batteries prior to the next season. When he didn’t, he retired.

“After last season I initially was excited about the chance to bolster our roster, which we most certainly have done, but as preseason training camp went on, I realized I didn’t have the same energy it takes to give 100% to this year’s team. The players and staff, the university, Carolina athletics and our great fans deserve more, and the respect I have for the amazing legacy the current and former players have built led me to make this decision at this time.”

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USWNT coach Hayes brings Horan to tears after gold medal win

The coach was full of praise for her captain after Saturday’s gold medal game

Emma Hayes clearly has an effect on her players.

If that couldn’t be seen by the coach leading the U.S. women’s national team to a gold medal in just her 10th game in charge, it was clearly demonstrated after the game.

Hayes and her captain Lindsey Horan faced the media following Saturday’s 1-0 win over Brazil in the gold medal game. Mallory Swanson’s goal in the second half settled a tense game, giving the USWNT its fifth gold medal and first since 2012.

Horan started every game of the Olympics, playing nearly every minute, but faced some criticism over her performances in France. Perhaps sensing this, Hayes interrupted her post-game press conference to deliver some words of praise for the midfielder.

“I should actually say something that I think is really important,” Hayes began. “This leader beside me, you don’t see all the work she does off the pitch. You don’t see all the conversations she has, whether it’s helping nurture a young player, or whether it’s to settle nerves or to remind people of their confidence or to push back on the things that matter most. She has put performance first, she has put winning first.

“And yes, we are at an Olympics but not at any point on our days off did we do unnecessary things, or do things that put the team’s performance in jeopardy. She took hard decisions with the players. And I really admire that in her.

“I can see not only why she’s the leader of this team, but she made my job so much easier because she was firm with everyone, but also very fair. I’m delighted for Lindsey because she deserves that, and doesn’t always get the credit she deserves and it’s been an honor for me to work with her.”

Sitting next to her coach, Horan was moved to tears.

“Don’t ask me any more questions!” the midfielder said with a laugh.

Watch Hayes move Horan to tears

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Fox apparently thinks Sophia Smith and Dansby Swanson are an item

This one probably should have been caught before it got on air!

Fox came under fire for much of its soccer coverage this summer, and it couldn’t avoid another blunder on Saturday — even though it was broadcasting a baseball game.

During Saturday’s game between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, Fox took a moment to recognize Mallory Swanson’s heroics earlier in the day.

Swanson scored the only goal in the Olympic gold medal game, giving the U.S. women’s national team a 1-0 win over Brazil. She also happens to be married to Cubs star Dansby Swanson, so her inclusion in the broadcast made plenty of sense.

Except the person Fox included in its graphic very much was not Mallory Swanson, but instead her forward line partner Sophia Smith.

Yikes.

Both Smith and Swanson are paired up with fellow pro athletes, as Smith and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson got engaged earlier this summer. But that, needless to say, isn’t much of an excuse!

Later in the game, the inevitable apology arrived, along with a corrected graphic that humorously acknowledged the mistake.

It hasn’t been the greatest summer for Fox, which took plenty of heat for its coverage of Euro 2024 and Copa América. It appears that the network’s soccer blunders now transcend all sports in its coverage portfolio.

Watch Fox apology for Swanson graphic error

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USWNT coach Emma Hayes delivered a powerful postgame interview after her team took the Paris Olympics gold medal match

This is pretty powerful.

United States women’s national team coach Emma Hayes won her first gold medal with her squad on Saturday as the Americans defeated Brazil in the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal match.

Hayes only joined the program this summer as its head soccer coach after being hired last fall, and she’s already led the team to its first Olympic gold medals since 2012.

While speaking with NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico after the victory, an emotional Hayes discussed why winning the gold meant so much to her.

“I love America. It made me,” Hayes said in the very powerful interview.

The USWNT looks to be in very capable hands with Hayes in the years to come, as winning Olympic gold is a heck of a way to start her tenure.

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Tearful USWNT coach Hayes after winning gold: ‘I love America, it made me’

The USWNT head coach was emotional after leading the team to a gold medal

An emotional Emma Hayes said she was “desperate” to win a gold medal for the United States, saying the country made her who she is today.

Hayes led the U.S. women’s national team to the gold medal on Saturday, as Mallory Swanson’s goal sealed a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the Olympic final.

The result was a massive achievement for Hayes, who was only coaching her 10th game for the USWNT. The London native finished out the 2023-24 campaign with Chelsea before taking over as U.S. head coach in late May.

After the game, Hayes was interviewed on NBC by host Mike Tirico, who asked how she masterminded such an impressive turnaround so quickly after taking over.

“Just love,” Hayes replied. “I come from a place of wanting players to enjoy themselves. I’ve been at a club for 12 years and I’ve had huge success but I was desperate to do well for this country. I’m so emotional because it’s not every day you win a gold medal.”

Tirico asked Hayes why she was desperate to do it for the United States.

“I love America,” Hayes replied. “It made me, and I always say that.”

Hayes began her coaching career in 2002 with the Long Island Lady Riders, before taking over as head coach of Iona University and then coaching the Chicago Red Stars, then of WPS.

She then returned to England, taking over Chelsea and leading the Blues to seven league titles during her 12 years in charge.

Watch Hayes’ post-game interview

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Jon Champion absolutely nailed the call for the USWNT winning the Paris Olympics gold medal match

Jon Champion gave the USWNT the winning call it deserved.

The United States women’s national team won Saturday’s gold medal match over Brazil, cementing it as a historic day for American soccer.

It was such an electric match throughout, one where USWNT forward Mallory Swanson scored the lone goal for either team.

With this the first gold for the USWNT in 12 years, you had to hope the NBC Sports broadcast would bring it if the team was successful in bringing home the hardware.

Thankfully, broadcaster Jon Champion was up to the challenge.

He delivered such a memorable call of the closing moments, one that highlights how sweet it really was for the USWNT to finally get back to the gold medal match and win it outright.

While Swanson’s goal was easily the broadcast moment of the match, Champion’s outstanding call certainly deserves a ton of credit.

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Watch the goal and save that won the USWNT the Paris Olympics gold medal match

These two plays defined the USWNT’s gold medal match victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

A stellar goal and a stunning save helped separate the Untied States from Brazil in the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal match for women’s soccer.

The USA took the gold in a 1-0 decision, sparked by forward Mallory Swanson’s electric goal in the second half and goalie Alyssa Naeher’s absolutely crucial save in stoppage time that could’ve evened the score.

Saturday’s win gave the United States women’s national team its first set of gold medals since the 2012 London Olympics, making this a historic 12-year gap erasure for the Americans. It’s the fifth gold in the program’s history.

That wouldn’t be possible without Swanson and Naeher’s absolute vital plays, which you can watch below.

 

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USWNT vs. Brazil Olympics lineup: Albert starts gold medal match over Lavelle

Emma Hayes made her first lineup change of the entire Olympics that didn’t involve a known injury or suspension

The U.S. women’s national team made one change to its lineup for Saturday’s 2024 Olympic gold medal final against Brazil, and it wasn’t a move many saw coming.

Head coach Emma Hayes selected Korbin Albert to start in the midfield over Rose Lavelle, but otherwise made no alterations to the group that defeated Germany 1-0 in the semifinal round.

That meant a place in the team for the only USWNT injury doubt, Tierna Davidson. The Gotham FC defender sustained a knee contusion in the group stage, but recovered to play the first 45 minutes of Tuesday’s win.

Only 13 players have started for the USWNT during this tournament, and both previous changes were enforced. Emily Sonnett replaced Davidson while the latter was out with injury, while Albert started a 1-0 quarterfinal win over Japan with Sam Coffey suspended for yellow-card accumulation.

Should Naomi Girma and Alyssa Naeher play the full 90 or 120 minutes in the final, they will have played every second of this Olympic tournament.

USWNT lineup vs. Brazil

USA (4-3-3): Alyssa Naeher; Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Crystal Dunn; Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan; Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson

Brazil (5-4-1): Lorena; Jheniffer, Lauren, Tarciane, Thais, Yasmim; Adriana, Vitoria Yaya, Duda Sampaio, Ludmila; Gabi Portilho

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Women’s soccer gold medal match: Brazil vs. USWNT odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Brazil vs. USWNT odds and lines, with expert Olympics women’s soccer picks, predictions and best bets.

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The USWNT and Brazil face off in the gold medal match Saturday at Parc des Princes in Paris. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. ET (NBC / Telemundo / Peacock). Below, we preview FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the USWNT vs. Brazil odds, and make our expert Summer Olympic picks and predictions.

The USWNT crushed the group stage, beating Zambia 3-0, Germany 4-1 and Australia 2-1. In the knockout rounds, the U.S. needed extra time in both wins, defeating Japan 1-0 in a quarterfinal and Germany 1-0 in a semifinal match. F Trinity Rodman scored the winner vs. Japan in the 105th minute, while F Sophia Smith netted the winning goal vs. Germany in the 95th minute. The USWNT has had over 55% of possession in both of its knockout stage matches.

The Brazilians struggled immensely in the group stage. They defeated Nigeria 1-0 to kick off their Olympics action but then lost 2-1 to Japan and 2-0 to Spain. Brazil turned it around in the knockout stage, though, taking down France 1-0 in a quarterfinal and beating Spain in a rematch 4-2 in a semifinal. Despite having 9 fewer shots and 3 fewer shots on frame, Brazil still advanced by Spain, the top-ranked team in the world per FIFA World Rankings.

The USWNT is No. 5; Brazil is No. 9.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Brazil vs. USWNT odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:07 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: USWNT -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Brazil +340 (bet $100 to win $340) | Draw +230
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +131 | U: -176)

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Brazil vs. USWNT picks and predictions

Prediction

USWNT 2, Brazil 1

Moneyline (ML)

TAKE USWNT (-110).

The USWNT have looked dominant and have faced stiff competition over the last few games. While Brazil made it through both Spain and France, its group stage proved it isn’t consistent, and against a technically sound team like the USWNT, Brazil should struggle to keep that hot play alive.

In its last 2 matches, the USWNT had 3 more shots on frame than Germany and 2 more than Japan. Given Spain was dominant statistically against Brazil in the semifinals, the Brazilians may struggle against the USWNT, which has consistently had the bulk of the possession against opponents.

Considering these trends, TAKE USWNT (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (+131).

Brazil plays at a fast, up-and-down pace. There were 6 total goals in its semifinal win vs. Spain. Plus, the 2 teams combined for 45 total shots. The USWNT has played to the style of its opponent, totaling 3 shots on frame against Japan and then 10 against Germany.

The Americans have the ability to stretch the field and have the talent to put shots on frame. Including a few friendlies, Brazil has gone Over this total in 4 of its last 7 games. With its style of play in mind, BET OVER 2.5 (+131).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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More USA TODAY Summer Olympics coverage:
News | Medal count | Meet Team USA

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