Alyssa Naeher's outstanding goalkeeping was pivotal in the USWNT's 1-0 victory over Brazil in the Olympic gold medal match, where she made crucial saves, including a dramatic one-handed stop in stoppage time. The USWNT, led by new coach Emma Hayes, showcased a strong defense throughout the tournament, allowing only two goals, with Naomi Girma earning accolades as one of the best defenders in the world. Girma's performance, alongside her young teammates like Sophia Smith, was instrumental in securing the team's place in the gold medal match for the first time since 2012. Hayes praised Girma's poise and leadership, while Smith emphasized her importance to the team's defensive stability. The U.S. women's team is in a transitional phase, integrating talented young players while competing at the highest level.