Lynn Williams just wrote the first chapter of a saga of redemption when USWNT bashed Germany 4-1 at the Olympic soccer stage. Williams did not make it to Emma Hayes’ first 18-player USWNT Olympic squad. She returned to the Summer Games only to become a replacement for the injured Catarina Macario. Pitching in for the USWNT off the bench, Williams channeled the experienced Olympian in her and scored a second-half strike to push Germany to a bottomless pit. So, the same Hayes who snubbed the Gotham FC veteran now thinks the world of her.

USWNT’s lethal forward line has profoundly impressed coach Emma Hayes. That’s no surprise, considering Team USA has scored a whopping seven from two games. But, while speaking about Lynn Williams, Hayes not only lauded her goal-scoring prowess but also lavished praises on the person she is.

“A player who epitomizes everything you want in a squad, someone who cares, someone who trains with great intensity, someone who’s intentional, and everything she does is deserving of what she got tonight. She doesn’t give up on herself but most importantly, she’s the best teammate you could possibly have,” Hayes said, as compiled by The Athletic.

Lynn Williams, who made the US Olympic squad two days back, had said she was excited about the Paris Summer Games because she could experience fans’ love. Notably, Williams made her Olympic debut in Tokyo, where fans were banned from attending games because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

So this is Williams’ first wholesome Olympic experience and what has it turned out to be with a mammoth crowd cheering her on, as she scored for Team USA. After the triumphant game against Germany, Williams laid bare how confident she is in the USWNT’s ability to ‘weather storms.’

USWNT’s calm and composed approach renders Lynn Williams on cloud nine

Emma Hayes’ side’s stunning start has undoubtedly proven that they are in the right direction to chase the Olympic gold. Yes, they have yet to survive heavyweight clashes that come their way. Team USA might even be tied against the World Champions- Spain, before even going for the gold medal game.

However, Lynn Williams is confident that the USWNT can stand any big test. “There were times where we had to weather a storm, especially in that second half. I think that’s what’s really cool about this team and what’s great is that nobody looks frightened in those moments,” the Gotham FC star said.

She added, “Every single person is doing their role defensively, offensively. I don’t know if it’s another gear — it’s just more of a belief that no matter what somebody throws at us, we’re going to get the job done.” 

The US next plays Australia to round off their group game before they lace up for the quarter-finals. Team USA, being Group B’s top seed, would face Group C’s second seed in the first knockout game.