The U.S. women's soccer team advanced to the semifinal of the Olympic games on Saturday with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Japan in extra time. It took all of 120 minutes, but a late-stage goal from Trinity Rodman got the U.S. on the board, and they wouldn't have to look back.
Head coach Emma Hayes was one of the main characters of the game. The narrative around her substitutions—or lack thereof—was a main discussion point among fans. She also, at one point, delivered a handwritten note to one of her players that was an instant moment of interest.
After the game, Hayes consoled Maika Hamano of Japan, distraught from the loss on her side. Hayes was Hamano's coach at Chelsea before she departed at the end of the 2023-24 season, so the two worked together this most recent season. Hamano had three starts for Chelsea and two goals in 314 minutes played in a season where the team finished top of the table in the Women's Super League.
All respect.
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 3, 2024
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As much as the Olympic games are great for pure competition and incredible spectacles of sports performance, the sportsmanship is a massively important part of the largest international stage as well.
This article was originally published on www.si.com as U.S. Soccer Coach Consoles Former Player, Now Opponent After Defeat.
