USWNT player ratings: USA soccer into 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal match behind Sophia Smith, Alyssa Naeher

The U.S. women’s national team is back in a gold medal match in the Olympics for the first time since 2012 after beating Germany in extra time on Tuesday in the semifinals, 1-0. It was Sophia Smith’s goal early in the first half of extra time that was the early difference with Alyssa Naeher making a stunning foot save late on to preserve the victory. The Americans will now go for gold Sunday against either Spain or Brazil. 

But how did everyone perform in the match? Take a look at our player ratings:

Goalkeepers

Was forced into a save during the opening 20 minutes and helped the defense remain organized when Germany worked in transition. Made good decisions during extra time to collect the ball and keep the team in good standing on the scoreboard. Made the save of the game late in the second half of extra time with her left foot on a ball that was surely heading in. Rating: 7.5

Defenders

Covered lots of ground on the flank in defensive recovery during a more open first half and in ball progression for attacking scenarios. Had to manage a physical game but remained heavily involved throughout the game and was reliable through longer stretches of minutes.  Rating: 7

Anchored the backline as the defenders were functioning in a fluctuating three-player backline. Came up with a big tackle in the box early in the first half. Kept up the form in the second half and also had good decision-making when opting to spearhead attacks even in extra time. Rating: 8

Returned to the starting lineup after missing two games with a knee contusion. She was a target in early chances off corner kicks, but the lingering injury meant a shorter day for her. Rating: 7

Won fouls early and was a constant focus for German defenders in physical play. Often played through or around fouls and was an open outlet as an attacking option. Subbed out for extra time.  Rating: 7.5

Midfielders

A welcome return to the starting lineup and provided some defensive clean-up in pressure moments during the first half. Did a good job finding the open lanes for passes to forwards, won fouls, and had better defensive awareness throughout the game. Rating: 7.5

Dealt with some double teams and physicality early but won some fouls despite missing some passes in the opening half. Got on the end of some headers and had a good look later in the second half. Rating: 6.5

Another active game where she covered lots of ground. Got involved in creating attacking sequences, forced German defenders on their heels, and had good service on corners in the opening 45 minutes. Was still active in the second half on the ball but subbed out at the hour mark. Rating: 7.5

Forwards

Gave the Germans fits again when working up the sidelines and won fouls and corners in the first half. Had to play through some heavy fouling but still worked the ball into the attacking third throughout the game and had a good look from a distance. Rating: 7

Combined well with Lavelle and Swanson and tried to get on the end of long passes into the final third. Had her pocket picked a couple of times in the first 45 minutes but didn’t let that affect her movement throughout the match, even in extra time as she scored a goal. Rating: 8

Had good positioning throughout the opening half when functioning as a double nine and kept moving off the ball. Got tasked with playing lower after Lavelle subbed off. Had the best look on 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

Substitutions 

Subbed into the game late for Rose Lavelle. Was effective in counter-pressing and provided fresh legs to win the ball. Rating: 7.5

Subbed 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

Came on in extra time for Dunn. Gave a jolt on defensive coverage and did a good job shielding the ball to close out the first extra time.  Rating: 7

Subbed in for Horan to start extra time. Won an early foul and worked well alongside Sam Coffey to help retain possession.  Rating: 7

An extra time sub on for Swanson. Had a good clearance to help close out the match but not enough time to do much more. Rating: N/A

Head coach

Emma Hayes: The USWNT manager was able to begin the game with her preferred starting lineup with Coffey back from yellow card accumulation and Davidson from injury. Dealt with a much tougher German side to break down despite some stretches of open play and tasked the players with several in-game adjustments in formation and with substitutions. But another game built on grit, determination, and belief. Rating: 7