Coach Emma Hayes’ Steadfast Leadership Drives US Women’s Soccer to Olympic Semifinals

The Americans’ next challenge comes Tuesday in the semifinals against Germany.

LYON, France — New U.S. coach Emma Hayes has taken some daring steps during the Paris Olympics, yet one element remains constant: her starting lineup.

Hayes has consistently used the same starting eleven, only making changes due to injury or suspension, such as Tierna Davidson’s injury and Sam Coffey’s yellow-card suspension.

According to Hayes, the approach is designed to build team chemistry swiftly. She started with the U.S. team in May after completing her season with Chelsea.

“I don’t believe we’d have gone through if we’d have made too many changes. It’s those relationships that are developing that are putting us in a situation against a world class opponent in a very, very short space of time,” said Hayes before their semifinal match against Germany.

“I haven’t had much time to work with the whole squad,” she added. “I’m still learning about everybody.”

Hired by U.S. Soccer in November following Vlatko Andonovski’s departure, Hayes quickly fostered strong offensive partnerships. Her front three—Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith—have become a formidable trio. The exclusion of veteran Alex Morgan evoked strong reactions, but the results speak for themselves.

Rodman, Swanson, and Smith have collectively netted eight of the team’s 10 goals in the tournament. Their teamwork has proven beneficial and effective.

“She wants everyone to be creative in their own ways,” said Rodman about Hayes. “Allowing us to play free has been extremely successful for this team.”

Meanwhile, Brazil faces Women’s World Cup champion Spain in the other semifinal, with the winners meeting in the final at Parc des Princes in Paris on Saturday.

The United States secured their semifinal spot with a narrow 1-0 extra-time victory over Japan. Trinity Rodman’s lone goal sealed the win. The Americans have conceded only two goals throughout the tournament, showcasing a solid defense.

Germany advanced after a tense penalty shootout against Canada, thanks to Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger. She saved two penalties and scored one herself to clinch the victory.

Remarkably, the U.S. already defeated Germany 4-1 in the group stage. However, German goalkeeper Berger remains cautious.

“We have to be better than the last game, that’s for sure,” Berger stated. “We must take our goal-scoring opportunities. The U.S. has a strong attack, but we can exploit them as well.”