Another major tournament is another reason for USWNT to get better. The moment has arrived for the team to play under one of the best coaches, Emma Hayes, in their favorite battle, the Olympics. With less than two weeks to go for their first clash in the 2024 Paris games, the women are getting warmed up by playing against Mexico on Saturday in the Impact 99 Legacy Match.

However, despite being a non-competition game, the match will have the presence of many former players. Thus, fans are curious to know what makes their presence a special moment.

What is Impact 99 and its history involving USWNT?

With many titles in the team’s history, the USWNT stands on top of the women’s soccer charts. But more importantly, it’s the growing passion among the women and their ability to keep fighting, making it iconic. However, one moment changed the face of women’s soccer, USWNT’s World Cup win in 1999. Hence, with 2024 marking 25 years of that achievement, US Soccer has decided to honor the players from the triumphant squad through the Impact legacy games which take place every year to commemorate some significant moments.

The event from 1999 was considered to be a game-changer not just for USA women but also for the sport globally. It was another chance for the USA to prove its impetus after hosting the men’s 1994 World Cup successfully. However, it proved to be overwhelming drawing massive crowds to the stadium with terrific response from fans across the globe.

1999 was the first time a women’s World Cup saw 16 teams and the matches were played in professional stadiums despite FIFA planning to hold them in college and high school stadiums initially. Nevertheless, the event turned out to be record-breaking with the final itself attracting 90000 attendance at the Rose Bowl and 40 million viewers in the USA. But more importantly, it also gave rise to American heroes who won the tournament to clinch their second world title.

USWNT’s road to 1999 World Cup glory

The victory inspired millions of Americans to fall in love with the sport. USWNT with the victory smashed the notion of the USA not being a soccer-loving nation. The second star in three editions, it became a dominating force thanks to the resilient effort in 1999. Starting their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Denmark to a 78,972 audience in the arena, the team continued their dominance beating Nigeria 7-1 and North Korea 3-0 in group stages.

However, they overcame a strong German attack in the quarterfinal winning 3-2 despite trailing at one point. Apart from crowds during the game, it was an engagement for the supporters that kept the team motivated. From watching them during practice sessions to meeting them at the airports, the USWNT members were superstars even before the medal. Subsequently, its victory against Brazil in the semifinals set it up against Sun Wen’s China which lost on penalties.

Meanwhile, it isn’t clear how many members of the legendary squad would be available at the event. But as USWNT aims to reinforce its grip over world soccer, the gesture from US Soccer is expected to stir up Emma Hayes’ unit.