Former Coug Trinity Rodman & USWNT Win First Olympic Gold Medal Since 2012

Joe Londergan | Aug 10, 2024

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Aug 6, 2024; Decines-Charpieu, France; Trinity Rodman of the United States in action against Germany in a women's football semifinal match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Lyon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nir Elias/Reuters via USA TODAY Sports / Reuters-USA TODAY Sports

Former Washington State Cougar Trinity Rodman will head home from her first Olympics with the ultimate prize: a gold medal, alongside her United States teammates.

The win marks the United States' first gold medal in women's soccer since the 2012 London games. The win also comes in new head coach Emma Hayes' tenth official contest on the job.

The first half was a stalemate, with one Brazil goal waived off due to an offsides call. A goal from Mallory Swanson in the 57th minute finally broke the tie, marking Swanson's fourth of the tournament. Four saves from the USA's Alyssa Naeher helped seal the shutout in a tournament where she allowed only two goals.

Rodman, who signed with Washington State in the class of 2020 before the NCAA season was cancelled and Rodman moved up to NWSL, ends the tournament with three goals and an assist of her own. Rodman, Swanson, and Sophia Smith were dubbed "The Trident" by Team USA fans for their onslaught of offensive contributions in this tournament. She committed two fouls, won a free kick, and missed one shot attempt from outside the box in this contest.

Published Aug 10, 2024|Modified Aug 10, 2024

JOE LONDERGAN

Joe Londergan joined the SI brand in 2023 with G5 Football Daily. With over 15 years of experience in covering and working directly in college and pro sports, Joe's expertise has been featured in Front Office Sports, SB Nation, and XRAY.FM. He is a member of both the Football Writers' Association of America and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association. Joe holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville and a master's degree in sports administration from Seattle University. Outside of his writing career, Joe enjoys golfing, although he admits that while he hits driver decently, his short game is a liability.