Emma Hayes` transition into the head coaching role for the U.S. women`s national team was always expected to usher in a period of significant experimentation. Hired to revitalize the squad following their earliest ever exit from the Women`s World Cup in 2023, Hayes has wisely used the time since the team`s Olympic gold medal win to cast a wider net for talent before the next World Cup cycle. However, navigating this experimental phase without the dynamic attacking trio of Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith – often dubbed the `triple espresso` – was an unexpected challenge.
Hayes has not had the opportunity to work with this key group since the Olympic final in Paris last August. Rodman is currently sidelined with a lingering back injury, while Swanson and Smith are on maternity leave. Their absence was always going to be felt; they had established themselves as the leading figures of the USWNT`s attack-minded identity, living up to that billing by scoring 10 of the team`s 13 goals during the Olympics.
In the months since they last played together for the national team, Hayes has actively embraced the spirit of experimentation she promised post-Olympics, giving a wide range of players opportunities to break into the U.S. attacking contingent. Since the Olympics, she has called up 11 forwards who were not with the squad last summer, with 10 of these players being 25 years old or younger. The USWNT has performed strongly during this stretch, scoring 22 goals in 11 games while conceding just eight, demonstrating promising early signs that the team`s attacking depth is potentially as strong as it has ever been.
The depth and potential of the USWNT`s attack were on full display in their recent 3-0 victory over China. In that match, Hayes` side generated 3.01 expected goals from 18 shots, frequently exploiting China`s high defensive line. The decision to start Alyssa Thompson, Catarina Macario, and Michelle Cooper proved rewarding, as all three were instrumental in creating the goals. Macario particularly stood out with a goal and an assist, while Cooper also provided an assist. The performance at times felt effortless, which Hayes attributed to the entire team`s dedication and hard work throughout this period of experimentation.
Reflecting on the team`s progress, Hayes commented, “When you`re trying to integrate so many new players as a coach, you want to see fewer tactical adjustments needed each time you`re with them, and this week, we made fewer than ever before. This is because players like Avery Patterson, Lily Yohannes, and Michelle Cooper understand their positioning on both offense and defense. In turn, this elevates the entire group`s performance level as their understanding improves. That`s the primary positive.”
Within this newer attacking group, Macario and Thompson possess relatively more experience. Macario debuted for the national team in 2021, with her time away largely due to injury, while Thompson was a member of the 2023 World Cup squad. Combined with impressive club performances, they are arguably at the forefront of Hayes` player pool expansion project. This is especially true for Macario, who is versatile enough to play as an attacking midfielder but has excelled recently when deployed as a central forward (No. 9).
Regarding Macario`s play, Hayes noted, “Cat is tough on herself. She scored a goal, and her overall play was good, but she aims for an even higher standard, which is fine. She can certainly aspire to that level. She`s a wonderful football player, and we`re fortunate to have her, so we are pleased with her contribution.”
Michelle Cooper, now in her third professional year, has also settled in effectively, accumulating one goal and one assist across five international appearances. She performed well in a wide role against China. While there`s still potential for growth, she is clearly beginning to carve out a consistent role for herself within the USWNT`s attacking options.
Hayes described Cooper enthusiastically, stating, “She`s a firecracker. She truly is. I felt her first touch wasn`t her best today, and I told her that… Michelle is someone who offers a significant threat running in behind defenses, whether she starts or comes off the bench. She`s a goal threat not just in creating opportunities but also in finishing them, and she`s clearly growing more comfortable in the national team jersey. She brings a lot of personality and energy to the team. She`s very coachable, and you can be direct with her; she takes the feedback and learns quickly. What I particularly admire is her commitment to contributing defensively; when it`s time for the `dirty work` and defending, she`s not afraid to get stuck in.”
Rounding out the group of promising, less experienced forwards currently on the roster are Ally Sentnor and Emma Sears, both of whom have made positive early impressions with the senior team. Sentnor was a standout performer at the February SheBelieves Cup and now has two goals in eight appearances, while Sears has scored once in five caps. Both players may get another opportunity to showcase their abilities on Tuesday in the friendly against Jamaica, which concludes the current international window.
Hayes acknowledged that the development work with this relatively young group is far from complete, which is understandable as they gain crucial international exposure. However, it is clear that the U.S. team is making significant progress during this transitional period. This process is revitalizing the highly competitive environment within the national team, a situation that could lead to very challenging roster selection decisions for Hayes in two years` time.
Discussing tactical execution, Hayes said, “We aimed for more dynamic rotations to disrupt their wide players` positioning. I thought we executed this really well in the first half. Where we didn`t do as well was trying to find spaces *between* defenders when the space was actually *in behind* them, so at times, we overplayed. They give us certain areas to exploit, and we should take them, but I`m asking the players to perform with a level of patience. So, I won`t criticize them for that. I genuinely feel we`ve moved up another tactical level. Many more players feel in control and are capable of doing more. Overall, I was pleased with the performance.”
