No. 5 USWNT tops No. 64 Zambia 3–0 in Paris Olympics opener

The GIST: The No. 5 USWNT’s journey back to the Olympic podium began with a comfortable 3–0 win over No. 64 Zambia yesterday, a dominant three-point showing from start to finish. That’s more like it.

Forwards Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson shine: The American crusade was fast and furious as the red, white, and blue rained shots on a discombobulated Zambian defense right from kickoff. Rodman broke through in the 17th minute, executing her signature spin move for her first career Olympic goal.

• Swanson quickly joined the fun, netting back-to-back goals in the span of 66 seconds, a triumphant return to the Games that was eight years in the making after battling back from various injuries.

• A win’s a hard-fought win, but unfortunately, fitness concerns linger around the frontline. Forward Jaedyn Shaw was taken off the roster before the first whistle, while forward Sophia Smith exited the game before halftime, possibly also due to injury.

Up next — No. 4 Germany, Sunday at 3 p.m. ET: The USWNT topped Zambia not just by finally scoring some golazos, but also by stifling world-class Copper Queens striker Barbra Banda, a testament to the squad’s strong defense.

• But the competition only gets tougher. Germany easily handled No. 12 Australia 3–0 in their opener and will test the USWNT’s young backline. That said, if anyone can handle it, it’s stout defender and fearless leader Naomi Girma. Time to shine.