Korbin Albert scored her first-ever international goal on Wednesday as the United States women’s national team defeated Australia 2-1 to make it a perfect nine points from the group stage.
One moment that fans will heavily discuss is the goal from Albert who came on as a second half substitute and scored a screamer from outside the box in the 77th minute to double the USWNT’s lead.
Korbin Albert goal vs Australia
The United States doubles its lead over Australia on Korbin Albert’s first international goal! #ParisOlympics
E! and Peacock pic.twitter.com/zTE7VulYYy— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 31, 2024
What a way to score her first USWNT goal!
Albert has been at the epicenter of controversy this year and received backlash from USWNT fans. In March she was caught reposting anti-LGBTQ+ content on social media and liking a post celebrating Megan Rapinoe’s career-ending injury.
The 20-year-old midfielder has also been booed in every home USWNT game since the incident.
Despite the mixed feelings on Albert from the fanbase her teammates embraced her and celebrated the goal with her.
Albert is the first non-forward to score for the USWNT in the 2024 Olympics as the front three of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman have been unstoppable in France. Lynn Williams has also come off the bench to score in the tournament.
Rodman opened the scoring against Australia in the 43rd minute when Smith found her with a header, and she poked in a goal at the back post.
GOAL USA. ⚽️
Trinity Rodman gives the USWNT the lead over Australia! #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/j20VmPyrb5— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 31, 2024
Rodman and Smith both have two goals for the USWNT in these Summer Games while Swanson leads the team with three.
The Aussies gave the Americans a scare toward the end of the match with a last-minute goal and late push to try and draw the game. Australia finished third in the group and could be eliminated depending on other results.
¡DESCUENTA AUSTRALIA!
Alanna Kennedy mete a las australianas en el partido, ¡Un gol importante que podría meterlas a 4tos!⚽️#Australia 1-2 @USWNT
Peacock ➡️ https://t.co/hHWnrgtKc1
Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/I73JVJ3CAE#OlimpicosTelemundo #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/UUO9cfomJj— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 31, 2024
The USWNT will advance to play Japan in the quarterfinals. Albert could start her first Olympic game as defensive midfielder Sam Coffey will be suspended for the quarterfinal match due to yellow card accumulation.
Japan and the USWNT will face off on Saturday at 9 a.m. ET.
