USWNT history for Emma Hayes & Lindsey Horan! Record-setting start to gold medal bid at 2024 Olympic Games

The United States got their bid for gold medal glory off to the perfect start when easing to a 3-0 victory over Zambia. That game was over as a contest inside the opening 25 minutes, as Trinity Rodman broke the deadlock and Mallory Swanson scored a quickfire brace.

There are tougher tests to come in Group B, with Germany and Australia yet to be faced. Early momentum is being established, though, with confidence beginning to flow through a squad that blends youth with experience.

Former Chelsea boss Hayes is taking in her maiden competition at the helm, and has become the first USWNT coach to win her first major tournament match by a margin of three or more goals. Elsewhere, talismanic captain Horan is the first player to assist two goals in the opening 30 minutes of a tournament fixture – having teed up Rodman and the first of Swanson’s two efforts.

The USWNT, who have not claimed an Olympic gold medal since the 2012 Games in London, will be back in action on Sunday when facing Germany in Marseille. They will remain at Stade Velodrome for a meeting with Australia on July 31.