#USC2Paris Olympics Recap (Day One): Canada, USA Women’s Soccer Net Opening Wins in Paris

USC Athletics | July 25, 2024

PARIS, FRANCE — The first Trojans to suit up for Olympic competition in Paris were USC soccer’s Simi Awujo, Croix Bethune and Nicole Payne, all first-time Olympians. The day’s action marked the opening day for women’s soccer group play, where Awujo’s Canadian team — which won gold at the 2020 Games — was first up with a match vs. New Zealand in Group A. In Group C, Payne’s Nigeria squad faced Brazil, and Group B saw Team USA call up Bethune ahead of the Americans’ meeting with Zambia. 

July 25 Recap

Women’s Soccer

Canada 2, New Zealand 1

    • Simi Awujo checked in for Team Canada in the 66th minute with the Canadians and Kiwis tied 1-1. With Awujo on the field, Canada would score in the 79th minute to earn the Group A victory.

Brazil 1, Nigeria 0

    • Nicole Payne was on the bench for Nigeria in its Group C loss to Brazil.

USA 3, Zambia 0

    • Croix Bethune, who was previously named an alternate, was activated for Team USA’s Group B opener to replace an injured teammate but was not used as a substitute vs. Zambia.

NEXT UP: 

July 26 is the Opening Ceremony — keep an eye out for three Trojan flag bearers Dylan Carter (Trinidad and Tobago), Andre De Grasse (Canada) and Tina Graudina (Latvia)!