The US Women’s National Team starts play in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on July 21, 2021! COVID forced a year long delay. So the actual games take place in 2021, but the event is still using “2020” in its name.
The US Women are the current World Cup champions, but they were knocked out in the semi-finals of the most recent Olympics (the Rio 2016 games).
Team USA Tokyo 2021 TV schedule (DVR alert):
Games take place in Japan, so this is a DVR alert! tournament. Game times listed below have been converted into Eastern Daylight Time.
- Game 1 vs. Sweden: Wednesday, July 21, 4:30 AM on the USA Network and Telemundo
- Game 2 vs. New Zealand: Saturday, July 24, 7:30 AM on the USA Network and Telemundo
- Game 3 vs. Australia: Tuesday, July 27, 4:00 AM on the USA Network and Telemundo
Viewing tips:
We encourage the girls to watch part of each game to see what high level soccer looks like. Many young kids get bored watching sports — they would rather play! But they are more likely to watch a game if they have specific viewing goals. Things to look for:
- Do players keep the ball moving while they play, or do they stop the ball and look around?
- Do players get their heads up and turn away from defenders, or do they play with heads down and dribble into defenders?
- Do players keep the ball through dribbling and passing, or do they kick the ball and chase it?
Georgia connections:
Team USA’s tournament roster includes NTH Academy alumna Emily Sonnett (top row, center in the 2004 photo on the left). NTH alumna Jane Campbell (holding the ball in the 2005 photo on the right) is an alternate as a goalkeeper. Another Georgia girl in the squad is Kelley O’Hara, who grew up in Peachtree City.