The U.S. Women’s National Team was so much fun to watch this year, highlighted, of course, by a gold medal in the 2024 Summer Olympics. After the disappointing showing in the 2023 World Cup, the USA bounced back in the best way possible, looking electric from start to finish in Paris. What most fans loved was seeing the young talent deliver for head coach Emma Hayes. Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, Naomi Girma and others were tremendous, while veteran Mallory Swanson worked her way back from a serious knee injury to play incredibly well too.
- Braulio Perez
FanSided Senior Editor
Best fan moment of the year
No question — when Mallory Swanson scored in the 57th minute of the Olympic Final against Brazil to help the USWNT take home the Gold Medal. For Swanson, it was such a special moment too after she missed the 2023 World Cup due to her knee injury.
Why we needed this fandom this year
It had been a bit of a rough stretch for the USWNT. The shocking performance in the 2023 World Cup was disappointing, but Emma Hayes has brought in a new culture to the team, giving youngsters a chance to showcase their skills. Those same youngsters played a massive role in all of the success at the Summer Olympics. Taking home the gold, the team’s first since 2012, reminded everyone of how great the USWNT can be.