USWNT player ratings: Mallory Swanson and Alyssa Naeher earn gold medal for USA vs. Brazil at Paris Olympics

The US women’s national team was as good as gold on Saturday, taking top honors at the Olympic women’s soccer tournament with a 1-0 win over Brazil. New coach Emma Hayes managed to lead her team to glory, 12 years after the country last won in London in 2012. It was not an easy match and required some late heroics, but it is more likely to return the Americans to the top of women’s football than expected and in anticipation of the next World Cup.

How did everyone perform to win Olympic gold? Check out our player ratings:

Goalkeepers

Alyssa Naeher

US • GK • #1

Facing some strong angles in the sunshine to start the match, she was tested in the opening two minutes with a forced save on a shot from her future Red Stars teammate Ludmila. She came up with a huge save to end first-half stoppage time and put the team on her shoulders to make crucial saves late in the second half. Rating: 10

Defenders

Emily Fox

US • D • #23

Good decision-making in her positioning to shield Brazilian attackers and intercept balls and provide one-on-one marking when needed throughout the match. Showed a new layer of chemistry with Trinity Rodman when working defense. Rating: 7.5

Naomi Girma

US • D • #4

They recovered defensively early in the first half, with the American midfielders struggling to gain a foothold. He seemed to struggle a bit in the sun to start, but he came up with some key clearances and helped keep things scoreless. Rating: 7.5

Tierna Davidson

US • D

Back in the starting line-up after a knee contusion. Made a crucial recovery in the first half as Brazil played through the middle third. Was replaced by Emily Sonnett. Rating: 7

Crystal Dunn

US • F • #19

Was the target of some overload early on, but played without pressure and was effective in breaking lines. Often tried to get on the ball and make contact with attackers, but had to spend a lot of time in defensive coverage throughout the match. Rating: 7

Midfielders

Korbin Albert

US • M • #15

Second start of the tournament and never looked completely comfortable, eventually returning some of the physical play that Brazil presented, but receiving a few warnings from the referee for doing so. Had a better start to the second half, delivering an accurate long pass for Mallory Swanson’s goal. Rating: 7

Lindsey Horan

US • M • #10

Usually more comfortable higher up the pitch, but not as connecting as expected. Was trusted with free kicks, but shot straight into defensive walls. Did a lot of physical work and got some punishment in stoppage time to end the match. Rating: 6.5

I had to spend more energy working defensively in the first 30 minutes and had to figure out how to limit Brazil’s direct play through the middle. Had a better second half and was trusted to build throughout the match, working more efficiently with Korbin Albert and Lindsey Horan along the way. Rating: 7

Come on

Trinity Rodman

US • F • #20

Worked early on the touchline with her trademark “Trin Spin” winning corners but had to spend a lot of energy providing defensive cover. Somehow, despite plenty of minutes on her feet and defensive shifts, she never looked downright tired. In the second half things looked more dangerous in the final third. Rating: 7.5

Sophia Smith

US • F • #11

Early in the first half got the first shot for the team and made extra runs to get into better positions but did not create more dangerous threats to start the match. She showed her positional awareness and hold-up play on Swanson’s goal. Eliminated late in the match for Lynn Williams. An incredible reintroduction to the world stage during the tournament. Rating: 7

Mallory Swanson

US • F

Won fouls early and served on corners and tried to combine the final pass but didn’t connect straight away. Had a promising long run with the ball in the penalty area for the best look at goal in the first half, but her shot was saved. Scored the winning goal with a clinical finish face-to-face against the goalkeeper. Rating: 8.5

Replacements

Emily Sonnett

US • D • #14

He brought on Tierna Davidson to end the match with a slim lead and created some play in the penalty area. Rating: 7

Lynn Williams

US • F • #6

Late in the game she came on for Sophia Smith. Not enough time for impact, but provided fresh legs for cover. Rating: 7

Coming on late to allow Swanson to close out the match. Judgement: N/A

Head coach

Emma Hayes: The USWNT head coach took a risk by making her changes in midfield, starting Rose Lavelle on the bench and rotating Albert into the mix. Ultimately, the gamble paid off as the team’s believe ball meter was off the charts and was inspired by impressive defensive play from Alyssa Naeher and a big goal from Swanson. Rating: 7.5