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D.C Sends USWNT Off to Paris with 0-0 Draw Against Costa Rica

Is the 2024 USWNT Team Good Enough to Bring Home a Metal from Paris? We Will have to See After 0-0 Draw Tonight Against Costa Rica

Story By: Erin Zollars

Photos By: Sol Tucker

Washington, D.C–

On one of the hottest days in D.C history, the United States Womens National Soccer team faced off against Costa Rica, unfortunately their scoring wasn’t too hot, and they would be forced to leave D.C for Paris with a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica.

Rose Lavelle, the third-most experienced player on the Olympic roster, was scratched after experiencing leg tightness during warmups. Lavelle’s level of play was missing from the game tonight and that left players like Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith to carry the load tonight, neither were able to find the back of the net without offside or a penalty called.

The first stretch of bad luck came 10 minutes into the second half, the referee signaled offside – again. The Americans had at least two goals waved off by offsides in addition to a few more solid chances mostly led by the charge of Rodman on offense.

In the 67th minute, USWNT coach Emma Hayes made her move to give as many players experience in the game she could – a goal of hers entering the match. Emily Fox, Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Korbin Albert were all taken out.

This game was very physical and perhaps we got a chance to see what the USA team would go up against in pool play starting on July 25th.  The game was so intense at points that Trinity Rodman and Costa Rica goalkeeper Noelia Bermúdez went down after Rodman took a forearm from Bermúdez. Both players stayed on the ground for about three minutes. Rodman and Bermúdez both stayed in the game. 2 minutes of time was added at the end of the half along with the standard hydration break.

Overall, this a good USWNT, but they are not totally dominant as they have been in previous Summer Olympics. Can they medal? Right now, this team is on the outside looking in, but a healthy team the entire Olympics could get them to the finals or could send them out quickly with a bronze medal at best.

 

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