Lynn Williams and Alyssa Naeher lift USWNT into semifinals

Members of the U.S. Women’s National Team celebrate their dramatic victory over Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the Olympics (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Despite a strong start from the USWNT, Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema, who has been nothing short of brilliant in the tournament so far, was too much to handle and the US found themselves trailing the Netherlands in the 18th minute.

Thankfully for the USWNT, Lynn Williams was locked in and ready to dazzle in her first Olympics start. She worked her way onto the stats sheet with a well-placed cross to Sam Mewis whose diving header leveled the game in the 28th minute.

Why stop there though? The only thing better than an assist in your first Olympic start is an assist and a goal. And after the 28-year-old from Fresno, California, launched the ball into the back of the net in the 31st minute, it was clear she was having the night of her life.

Williams was subbed out in the 57th minute as head coach Vlatko Andonovski swapped out the front line for fresher legs. But for someone who started out as an alternate, only making the Olympic team after the roster was expanded to 22, Williams made her mark on the team and in the tournament, giving the USWNT the critical spark they’ve been severely lacking up until now.

Though hopes were high that the USWNT would carry their first-half lead through the end of the 90 minutes, the game was quickly turned into a scramble after a 54th-minute goal by Netherlands. Once again Miedema sent the ball past Alyssa Naeher, though this time Naeher arguably should have made the save. This would be Naeher’s last mistake of the game and she quickly became the team’s hero.

Tied 2-2, Naeher stepped up big for USWNT

I think it’s safe to say that saving three penalty kicks in the course of one game should earn you the grateful admiration of your teammates and a team victory. Thankfully, in the end, the USWNT didn’t squander Naeher’s heroic efforts.

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Though the USWNT nearly let their chances at an Olympic medal slip through their fingers when Kelley O’Hara gave up a penalty kick late in regulation, Lieke Martens’ spot kick was particularly poor, and Naeher notched her first penalty save of the game.

Unsurprisingly, a game between two talented sides with superstar players ended in penalty kicks. After Naeher saved the first PK, it was all smiles for the USWNT as they confidently placed all of their penalties in the back of the net. For good measure, Naeher saved yet another penalty and joyous celebrations for the USWNT ensued.

Next. USWNT squeaks into knockout rounds with tie. dark

As a team, there’s a lot the US can be proud of heading into the semifinals. Their passion, urgency, and chip-on-the-shoulder tenacity after going down a goal were in full effect on Friday night. There are certainly improvements to be made, but it was a performance they can walk away from with pride.

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