Jonathan & NatesTop USWNT moments of all time

Jonathan Turner
Aug 25
3 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

Here are five of the greatest moments in U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) history — iconic milestones that shaped the program and the global women’s game:

1. 1999 World Cup Final – Brandi Chastain’s Penalty Kick

Arguably the most famous moment in women’s soccer history came when Brandi Chastain buried the winning penalty against China in front of more than 90,000 fans at the Rose Bowl. Her celebration — ripping off her jersey and falling to her knees in triumph — became a cultural touchstone and marked a turning point for women’s sports in the U.S.

2. First Women’s World Cup Title (1991, China)

The USWNT claimed the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991, defeating Norway 2-1 in the final behind a hat trick from Michelle Akers. This established the U.S. as a powerhouse from the very start of the women’s game at the international level.

3. 2011 World Cup Quarterfinal vs. Brazil – Abby Wambach’s Equalizer

Down 2–1 in stoppage time of extra time, Megan Rapinoe delivered a pinpoint cross to Abby Wambach, who headed home the dramatic equalizer in the 122nd minute. The U.S. went on to win on penalties. Wambach’s goal remains one of the most unforgettable moments in World Cup history and showcased the team’s resilience.

4. 2015 World Cup Final – Carli Lloyd’s Hat Trick

In a dominant 5-2 victory over Japan, Carli Lloyd scored a hat trick in the first 16 minutes, including an audacious strike from midfield. It was the USWNT’s third World Cup title and cemented Lloyd’s legacy as one of the greatest clutch performers in team history.

5. 2012 Olympic Gold Medal – Redemption Against Japan

Following their loss to Japan in the 2011 World Cup final, the U.S. faced them again in the 2012 London Olympics gold medal match. Goals from Carli Lloyd lifted the U.S. to a 2-1 victory, completing redemption and earning their fourth Olympic gold medal.

1. 1991 – U.S. Wins the First Women’s World Cup

In the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup, the U.S. established itself as the gold standard, defeating Norway 2-1 in the final. Michelle Akers’ brilliance carried the team, and the victory set the tone for decades of dominance.

2. 1996 – First Olympic Gold Medal in Women’s Soccer

At the Atlanta Games, women’s soccer made its Olympic debut. The USWNT captured the first-ever gold medal with a 2-1 win over China, fueled by goals from Shannon MacMillan and Tiffeny Milbrett, cementing themselves as trailblazers.

3. 2012 – “The Save Heard ‘Round the World”

Goalkeeper Hope Solo’s critical late save against Canada in the Olympic semifinal kept the U.S. alive in a thriller. Alex Morgan went on to score the winner in extra time, and the moment remains one of the most iconic defensive plays in USWNT history.

4. 2015 – Ending a 16-Year World Cup Drought

Behind Carli Lloyd’s unforgettable hat trick in the final against Japan, the U.S. lifted the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1999. The 5-2 victory restored the program to the top of world soccer.

5. 2022 – Equal Pay Agreement Reached

Off the field, the USWNT made history by reaching a landmark equal pay agreement with U.S. Soccer, guaranteeing pay parity with the men’s national team. It was a watershed moment not only for soccer, but for women’s sports worldwide.

VIDEO COURTESY OF NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK