Lindsey Horan, Mallory Swanson and Rose Lavelle after a win in Marseille, France, where the men's team was also playing. For the first time since 2008, the men’s team joined the perennial women’s team in the tournament. And in a stroke of logistical fortune for the U.S. Soccer Federation and fans wishing to see both play, each side was drawn into first-round groups initially based in the south of France.
Second in Group A behind France, the U.S. men would secure one of the quartet’s two quarterfinal berths with a victory. A draw would also probably suffice. Even a defeat might not prevent them from their first visit to the Olympic knockout stage in 24 years. Per tradition, Olympic soccer is played not only in the host city but throughout the host country. Lyon, Bordeaux and Nantes are also among the seven cities staging matches.The women’s players have been watching the men’s games in their meal room. The men say they have watched the women’s games in their hotel rooms or treatment room and caught highlight packages.
The women’s players are not as familiar individually with their male counterparts here as those on the men’s national team because this men’s competition is primarily for players 23 and under.