In their final exhibition match before the Paris Olympics, the United States women's soccer team drew 0-0 against Costa Rica on Tuesday night, grappling with sweltering conditions that provided a fitting rehearsal for the anticipated heat in Marseille later this month.
At kickoff, temperatures soared to 98 degrees Fahrenheit (37 Celsius), a stark reminder of the day's record-tying 104-degree (40C) heat earlier in the nation’s capital. The extreme weather mirrored what the team expects to encounter in France, a factor Coach Emma Hayes welcomed as part of their preparation.
"This heat is perfect preparation for us," Hayes commented on Monday. "It's a great opportunity to experience what we're going to face in Marseille."
The harsh conditions played a role in the late scratch of Rose Lavelle, who was sidelined due to leg tightness during warmups. The coaching staff decided to err on the side of caution, considering the upcoming Olympic schedule. Lavelle's replacement, Korbin Albert, stepped into the starting lineup for the match at Audi Field.
The U.S. team dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities but was continuously thwarted by Costa Rican goalkeeper Noelia Bermúdez. A particularly tense moment occurred in the first half when Bermúdez collided with U.S. forward Trinity Rodman. Both players required medical attention but ultimately remained in the game.
Costa Rica, not qualifying for the Olympics, adopted a defensive stance, managing no shots on goal and only two attempts throughout the match. In contrast, the U.S. remained aggressive, although they saw a few would-be goals ruled out for offside and missed several chances from set pieces and open play.
Despite the stalemate, the match served its purpose as a final tune-up. Coach Hayes, who took over the team in late May, was satisfied with the team's ball control, as highlighted by their previous 1-0 victory against Mexico in New Jersey. However, she emphasized the need for converting possession into goals, a challenge that persisted against Costa Rica.
With a young and relatively inexperienced squad, Hayes aimed to maximize player involvement, making four substitutions at the 67-minute mark and another late in the game.
The U.S. team will fly to Paris on Wednesday, with their Olympic campaign kicking off on July 25 against Zambia in Nice. They will face Germany in Marseille on July 28 and Australia on July 31 to conclude the group stage, as they aim to surpass their bronze-medal finish from Tokyo three years ago.
After Tuesday's "Send-Off Match" ceremony, the team is focused and ready to take on the challenges ahead in the Olympics, bolstered by the lessons learned and resilience shown in Washington, D.C.
