The US is tasting gold!

For the first time since 2012, the United States Women's National Team has won gold at the Summer Olympics, beating Brazil 1-0.

Brazil started on the front foot and made the US uncomfortable, forcing the Stars and Stripes into mistakes that seem out of place for an Emma Hayes side.

With Rose Lavelle on the bench, the US had difficulty unlocking the final third, with Lindsey Horan uncharacteristically out of attacking form.

Luckily, the United States surivved multiple offensive waves from the Brazilians, inevitably unlocking the opposition defense in the 57th minute through Mallory Swanson.

This tournament win is just one of the many accolades that Emma Hayes has accomplished.

In just 10 games in charge, the ex-Chelsea boss has brought the US back to the forefront of world football.

Here are five takeaways from the USWNT's gold medal win over Brazil.

The USWNT Is Back on Its Perch....

US Women's Soccer is back and in a big way.

After a rough few years on the international stage, Emma Hayes has hoisted US Women's Soccer back to the pinnacle of world soccer.

The United States has been haunted by its failure at the 2023 Women's World Cup which was a gigantic failure in the hearts and minds of the biggest USWNT supporters.

With ex-manager Vlatko Andonovski's stale tactics and lack of inspiration widely documented, the program needed a coach who could pull them out of the doldrums.

Emma Hayes showed that and then some, masterfully coaching the US to a gold-medal finish.

Not only has Hayes brought the US back to the promised land, but she's gotten the most out of the young talent on the squad. Trinity Rodman, Korbin Albert, and Naomi Girma have all stepped it up a level thanks to Hayes' coaching ability.

Though the tournament didn't come without difficulties, the USWNT is set for the future.

With a squad mixed with youth, a senior presence, and a manager capable of winning trophies, the sky is the limit for the United States.

...but the World Isn't Very Far Behind

The US has won the gold medal, but this Olympics has shown that the world isn't far behind.

Spain, Brazil, Japan, France, Australia, and Germany have squads capable of challenging the United States on any given day.

The last Women's World Cup showed that the US can't become complacent. Yes, their Olympic conquest will go down in history, but the tournament wasn't easy.

Throughout the tournament, the Stars and Stripes had to grind their way to victories, particularly during the knockout stages.

The match against Brazil was won by the slimmest of margins. Had Brazil forward Ludmila been more disciplined with her runs in behind, the US would've conceded early, being forced into mounting a comeback.

Though it ultimately didn't matter, the United States should be wary.

The rest of the world is making strides and with the 2027 Women's World Cup just three years away, the task of regaining the title as world champions will be harder.

Triple Espresso Is the Best Attacking Trio in the World

"That's that me, espresso."

Though Sabrina Carpenter's smash pop hit "Espresso" may have been released months ago, the lyrics still aptly describe the shot of energy that the US front three of Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman bring to the field.

Affectionately described as "the Trident," the trio took over France, helping lead the United States to the gold medal.

Through six games, Swanson, Rodman, and Smith all have at least one goal contribution.

Before the tournament even started, many pundits and fans were baffled by Alex Morgan's exclusion.

However, that snub may have been the correct call. Although Morgan's experience and leadership have been missed, the attacking output of "Triple Espresso" more than made up for the veteran's absence.

Rodman, Smith, and Swanson are the future.

One can even make the argument that they've already arrived and have established themselves as world-class players. Looking ahead to the 2027 Women's World Cup, the trio will undoubtedly play a large role in this new era of American football.

Alyssa Naeher Might Be Irreplaceable

Alyssa Naeher may be one of the oldest players on the squad, but her shot-stopping ability remains world-class.

Naeher's experience was invaluable to the United States in the final.

There were several instances when the 36-year-old was called into action, specifically deep into stoppage time when Brazil attempted a comeback.

The Chicago Red Stars netminder is at the top of her game, helping the US secure gold.

Although Naomi Girma may have been slightly off defensively, it was Naeher's time to pick up where tired legs left off.

While she's advanced in age in terms of soccer players, there's no reason for the US's No. 1 not to be in contention for the 2027 World Cup. Goalies age much more gracefully than other positions on the pitch and she could be an option for Hayes for the tournament in Brazil.

Emma Hayes Got It Done

Is it too soon to ask for an Emma Hayes statue?

All jokes aside, though Hayes only just took over in November 2023, her impact and imprint on the organization have been incredible.

With the United States frustrated by their subpar showing at the 2023 Women's World Cup, the team desperately needed a change at the helm.

Hayes is a tactically proficient manager with a history of winning silverware. Hayes displayed why the United States Soccer Federation hired with her tactical switches in the second half.

When Brazil was bypassing the US midfield, Hayes brilliantly stuck with her intuition, imploring the US to press high and often. That led to Mallory Swanson's spatially aware goal in the 57th minute.

Nonetheless, for all the good that Hayes has done, one can still make a small complaint about the lack of rotation.

In the first 45, Brazil's attack was able to exploit the United States in that regard, with Naomi Girma looking a step too slow, mainly due to fatigue.

Fortunately, the US was able to hold on. At this point, all complaints are rendered inconsequential when winning gold.