The USWNT passed its first test in the Paris Olympics 2024 with flying colors. The four-time gold medalists showcased a dominating 3-0 win in the opening group-stage clash against Zambia. While fans bask in the celebrations over a positive result, injury concerns have arisen regarding Sophia Smith and Jaedyn Shaw, concerns Emma Hayes was asked about following the match.

Meg Linehan of The Athletic reported, “Emma Hayes said no one updated her yet regarding Sophia Smith, and that both she and Jaedyn Shaw will be assessed once they’re back in camp in Marseille.” Even before the match started – about an hour prior to kick-off – the squad’s 19-year-old star was ruled out. The USWNT X account posted, “Forward Jaedyn Shaw (leg injury) is unavailable for the match against Zambia and will be replaced on today’s 18-player roster by alternate Croix Bethune.”

As for Sophia Smith, she started the match and contributed to Team USA’s attack from the get-go. But after a few missed opportunities (and three goals courtesy of Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson), Smith appeared to be in some discomfort. To avoid any injury escalation, Emma Hayes subbed the forward in the 43rd minute and was replaced by Lynn Williams. Journalist Sam Borden reported, “Has to be disappointing for Sophia Smith to come off early with what appears to be an ankle injury.”

It indeed would’ve been disappointing. And would’ve rung a few alarm bells for Hayes. Coming into the Olympics – the former Chelsea manager’s first competition in charge of the USWNT – the team’s finishing ability came into question. In their two warmup matches, they had 43 shots, out of which only 18 were on target. And of those 18, only 1 was a goal. “If we keep creating chances in the right area, keep getting numbers in the box, keep getting as many touches as possible in that area, those goals will come. That, I’m sure of,” Hayes said following those two matches.

However, it looked like their problems in the final third continued against Zambia. Although Rodman scored a stunner in the 17th minute to go 1-0 up, the score should’ve been at least 4-0 by then, if not 5-0. This made many second guess Emma Hayes’ decision to leave Alex Morgan out of the squad. You can’t help but wonder what could’ve been had the the 35-year-old striker been on the team. But as Hayes said following the squad announcement, “The cap accumulation down our roster is too low. We need to start giving exposure and experiences to players that might have been in and around.”

Speaking of a player who’s been around, Mallory Swanson was the star of the night. And one of the reasons why Sophia Smith’s absence following her injury wasn’t felt too much. After Rodman scored in the 17th, two goals from Swanson in the 24th and 25th minute – within a span of 70 seconds – ensured the USWNT went 3-0 up, etching her name in the history books. Reflecting on the first few minutes of the match, Emma Hayes said, “The first part of the first half was exceptional.” However, there were a few regrets.

“To come out the way we did, the intention, the intensity, the decision-making, the execution, it should have been at least 5-0 at half-time. There were things within our structure I didn’t like. But that’s easy fixes,” the USWNT manager added. Hayes wasn’t too happy with just a 3-0 victory, considering the team had 27 shots and only 8 on target. Moreover, Zambian defender Pauline Zulu got a red card in the 34th minute, so the US played against a 10-player squad for most of the match.

Emma Hayes creates USWNT history with the win over Zambia

Emma Hayes has recorded a significant feat thanks to the three goals from Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson. As per the numbers crunched by Opta Jack, she has become the first coach to win her inaugural major tournament match while being in charge of the USWNT by a margin of three or more goals. Seeing as she never achieved this feat before, you could see the relief and elation on her face, too, once the final whistle blew. But it wasn’t surprising, considering her managerial repertoire.

Hayes had a lot of success while coaching the Chelsea women’s squad in England before making the switch to the USWNT this year. With 7 FA Women’s Super League, 5 Women’s FA Cup, and 2 Women’s League Cup titles, it looks like she’s brought all her experience here, also making it seem like she’s managed a national team before. The Olympic Games is just the start of her USWNT era, but if the team’s performances under her guidance so far are anything to go by, this tenure could be just as successful as her time in Chelsea.

Next up, the USWNT will take on Germany on July 28, who won their first group-stage match against Australia. And on July 31, they’ll have their final group-stage encounter against Australia.