U.S. Soccer boasts diverse roster
Fred Jeter | 5/2/2024, 6 p.m.
After some struggles, the United States Women’s National Team is showing signs of returning to its past glory. The team representing the stars and stripes in Paris includes eight women of color, including Trinity Rodman, daughter of former basketball star Dennis Rodman.
In claiming this season’s CONCACAF Gold Cup in San Diego and SheBelieves Cup in Columbus, Ohio, the Americans posted a 10-1-3 record. The U.S. will fly to Paris as the world’s fourth-ranked team, behind Spain, England, and France. It’s rare for the U.S. to be an underdog in such competition.
Since women’s soccer was introduced in the 1996 Games, the Americans have won four golds, in 1996, 2004, 2008, and 2012. Since then, they have backpedaled, falling to Sweden in the 2016 quarterfinals and to Canada in the 2020 semis.
Before heading to France, the U.S. will play four international friendlies: June 1 vs. South Korea in Denver, July 4 vs. Korea in St. Paul, Minn., July 13 vs. Mexico in Harrison, N.J., and July 16 vs. Costa Rica in Washington, D.C.
The Olympics begin July 26. In Paris, the U.S. will play in Group B against Zambia, Germany, and Australia.
