The USWNT’s final preparation before the Olympics is set, with the FIFA world No. 5 US team aiming for an 18th consecutive win over No. 44 Costa Rica tonight at Audi Field in Washington, DC.
Following a 1-0 victory over No. 29 Mexico, head coach Emma Hayes’s Paris-bound squad appears to be gaining momentum. Describing the recent win as “a step in the right direction,” Hayes remarked, “I think we’re only scratching the surface. There are many layers to develop from everyone.”
The evolving USWNT is seeking to establish its rhythm under Hayes’s guidance. With their Olympic group stage match against No. 64 Zambia scheduled for July 25th, the team, featuring its youngest roster in 16 years, aims to solidify its style of play.
While the USWNT’s hallmark of scoring in transition is still a strength, the team acknowledged their inconsistent first half against Mexico. Midfielder Rose Lavelle noted they are “working on being a little more tactically flexible… We’re trying to learn how to adjust on the fly and be smarter with our game-time decisions.”
The team’s success hinges on selecting their moments carefully and improving their ability to read and anticipate each other’s movements — crucial for addressing areas where they seemed disjointed against Mexico.
The goal is not just an Olympic podium finish to surpass their bronze medal from Tokyo, but also to make a significant impact against high-caliber opponents.
Costa Rica, led by captain Rocky Rodriguez, presents a valuable test
Focused on enhancing offensive cohesion, the USWNT may find Costa Rica to be a suitable challenge. Historically, the US team has dominated, outscoring Costa Rica 90-2 in 17 meetings.
However, since their last encounter in July 2022, where the US clinched a 3-0 win in the Concacaf Championship semifinal, Costa Rica has shown improvement. They participated in the 2023 World Cup and reached the Gold Cup quarterfinals, narrowly losing to No. 8 Canada in extra time.
Costa Rica’s captain, 30-year-old Angel City midfielder Rocky Rodriguez, stands out as the sole NWSL player on their roster and was the first Costa Rican to score in a Women’s World Cup in 2015.
The USWNT seeks not only to maintain their perfect record against Costa Rica but also to extend their unbeaten streak to nine games, including three clean sheets under Hayes’s leadership.
With Washington, DC under an excessive heat warning, expect hydration breaks during tonight’s match at 7:30 PM ET, broadcast live on TNT and streaming on Peacock.
TruTV and Max will simultaneously air the first-ever USWNT altcast, hosted by retired USWNT star Sam Mewis, former captain Becky Sauerbrunn, and Men in Blazers founder Roger Bennett.