Emma Hayes' first international window as USWNT head coach has passed, leaving behind a mixed bag of results. While the team's 6-0 thrashing of Paraguay in their opening match hinted at a promising start to the year, concerns over the experimental nature of the squad remain.
Hayes' decision to field an incredibly deep roster with the fewest average caps for a starting 11 in a quarter of a century has sparked debate about the team's readiness for the 2026 World Cup. With Alyssa Naeher retiring from international duty and no clear successor in sight, Phallon Tullis-Joyce is set to start in goal, with Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey vying for spots on the backline.
The midfield, a key area of concern for USWNT fans, also showed signs of disjointedness. Julie Ertz, Sam Mewis, and Rose Lavelle's seamless trio from 2019 is no more, with Lavelle's injury-ridden history casting doubt over her ability to contribute this year. While Lily Yohannes has shown promise as a box-to-box midfielder, Lindsey Heaps' role as captain remains uncertain.
The biggest question mark on the team, however, lies in the attack. With Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson returning from maternity leave, the USWNT is poised to return to form. Alyssa Thompson's electric performances for Angel City have been a highlight of the preseason, and Emma Sears' dribbling skills make her a threat up front.
Overall, Hayes has her work cut out for her in shaping this talented but experimental squad into a cohesive unit. With World Cup qualifying on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether these predictions come to fruition or if the team's depth and talent ultimately prove too much to handle.
Prediction Breakdown:
- Goalkeeper: Tullis-Joyce starts, with McGlynn and Dickey in reserve.
- Defense:
- Backline picks itself with Girma, Fox, and Sonnett starting centrally and on the left respectively.
- Left back is a wide open question, but Reale looks like a promising option.
- Midfield: Lavelle and Bethune alternate at the 10, with Heaps and Coffey further back in the engine room.
- Forward line: Rodman on the right, Wilson at striker, and Thompson from the left.
These predictions are based on the current state of the team and player availability. However, with several young players emerging and a few injuries waiting to be addressed, this might not hold up as the season progresses.
Hayes' decision to field an incredibly deep roster with the fewest average caps for a starting 11 in a quarter of a century has sparked debate about the team's readiness for the 2026 World Cup. With Alyssa Naeher retiring from international duty and no clear successor in sight, Phallon Tullis-Joyce is set to start in goal, with Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey vying for spots on the backline.
The midfield, a key area of concern for USWNT fans, also showed signs of disjointedness. Julie Ertz, Sam Mewis, and Rose Lavelle's seamless trio from 2019 is no more, with Lavelle's injury-ridden history casting doubt over her ability to contribute this year. While Lily Yohannes has shown promise as a box-to-box midfielder, Lindsey Heaps' role as captain remains uncertain.
The biggest question mark on the team, however, lies in the attack. With Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson returning from maternity leave, the USWNT is poised to return to form. Alyssa Thompson's electric performances for Angel City have been a highlight of the preseason, and Emma Sears' dribbling skills make her a threat up front.
Overall, Hayes has her work cut out for her in shaping this talented but experimental squad into a cohesive unit. With World Cup qualifying on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether these predictions come to fruition or if the team's depth and talent ultimately prove too much to handle.
Prediction Breakdown:
- Goalkeeper: Tullis-Joyce starts, with McGlynn and Dickey in reserve.
- Defense:
- Backline picks itself with Girma, Fox, and Sonnett starting centrally and on the left respectively.
- Left back is a wide open question, but Reale looks like a promising option.
- Midfield: Lavelle and Bethune alternate at the 10, with Heaps and Coffey further back in the engine room.
- Forward line: Rodman on the right, Wilson at striker, and Thompson from the left.
These predictions are based on the current state of the team and player availability. However, with several young players emerging and a few injuries waiting to be addressed, this might not hold up as the season progresses.
which is pretty impressive considering they've had some lineup changes. But if you look at the average age of the starting lineup, it's like 27-28 years old, which is still pretty young for a team with so much experience 
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. With Ertz and Mewis no longer together as a unit, we'll have to wait and see how the new combos gel. But on the bright side, we've got some fresh faces like Lily Yohannes and Bethune looking promising 
... I mean, who wouldn't want to watch some of the world's best female footballers in action? The experimental nature of the team does bring up some concerns, but I think it's exciting to see new faces and fresh perspectives. Alyssa Naeher may be retiring, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce looks like she's got what it takes to fill her boots 
. And can we talk about how excited I am for Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson to return from maternity leave? Those two are going to bring some serious firepower up front 
... overall, I'm stoked to see where this new squad takes us. Bring on the World Cup! 
. I'm both hyped and worried at the same time 
. On one hand, it's cool that they're giving these young players a chance to shine 
. But on the other hand, it might take some time for them to gel as a team 
. I mean, can you imagine starting a World Cup match with like 5 different midfielders? 
. Still, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll figure it out and bring home that title 
. I'm curious to see how that strategy plays out, especially with a young squad like this one. They've got some talented players coming back from maternity leave too - Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson are gonna be key in getting the attack firing 
. And what about Lindsey Heaps' role as captain - is she still the one to lead this team? 
️. She looks like a game-changer in front of goal, and if Emma Hayes can get her playing regularly, she might just be the missing piece they need 
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. It's gonna be interesting to see how Phallon Tullis-Joyce does in goal and if Lily Yohannes can fill Julie Ertz's role 
but seriously, this squad is like a hot mess express... i mean, i love the depth and all, but can we just get some consistency in midfield already? julie ertz and sam mewis were like our rockstars, now they're gone and lavelle's injury history is like a red flag 
and don't even get me started on the goalkeeper situation... phallon tullis-joyce is like "okay, i guess" in goal atm 
but hey, at least trinity rodman and mallory swanson are back and that's something 
but others just don't seem to be fitting yet. and i think that's the thing - this team has so much depth, but also a lot of questions 
julie ertz and sam mewis arent even playing anymore its like hayes has her work cut out for her