U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Plays to 0-0 Draw with Costa Rica Before Paris Olympics

The U.S. women’s soccer team battled the extreme heat and tough competition as they played to a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica in their final exhibition tune-up game before the Paris Olympics. The game, which took place in sweltering temperatures of 98 degrees Fahrenheit (37 Celsius), provided a valuable test for the team as they prepare for similar conditions in Marseilles later this month.

Despite generating numerous scoring opportunities, the U.S. team was unable to break through the resilient defense of the Costa Rican goalkeeper, Noelia Bermúdez. The intense heat also played a factor in affecting the players, with midfielder Rose Lavelle being a late scratch due to leg tightness in warmups.

Coach Emma Hayes, who has been coaching the team since late May, expressed her satisfaction with the possession domination displayed by the team in their previous match against Mexico. However, she emphasized the need for the team to capitalize on their scoring chances and do more with their possession.

Following the “Send-Off Match,” the team will now head to Paris to prepare for their Olympic opener against Zambia on July 25. With games against Germany and Australia to follow, the U.S. team is eager to improve on their bronze medal performance in Tokyo three years ago.

Despite the challenging weather conditions and tough competition, the U.S. women’s soccer team remains focused and determined as they set their sights on Olympic glory.