The US Women`s National Team`s two friendly matches in April didn`t unfold perfectly, yet these 180 minutes are invaluable for the team`s promising future. Despite a 2-1 defeat on Tuesday, marked by a late goal conceded in stoppage time, Coach Emma Hayes and her staff gained crucial insights. Prioritizing tactical familiarity across both games, particularly with a less experienced lineup in the second match, the team encountered high-pressure situations that highlighted areas needing development.
These matches are part of a larger evaluation strategy by Hayes as they prepare for the 2027 FIFA Women`s World Cup. Hayes suggested the USWNT might travel to Brazil next year for enhanced team preparation leading up to the tournament hosted in the USA. She emphasized that the focus in 2025 will be on player development and assessment rather than solely on match outcomes.
“It`s been a very productive camp. We shouldn`t always judge progress by results,” Hayes stated. “If my only goal was immediate wins, I wouldn`t make as many personnel changes. However, my decisions are for long-term growth. I`m focused on expanding our player pool and evaluating players in challenging game environments.”
Forward Trinity Rodman rejoined the USWNT camp in April, reuniting a portion of the `triple espresso` attack, which previously included Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson during the 2024 Olympic gold medal run. With the World Cup on the horizon and players managing injuries, Hayes has made it clear that now is the time to explore and broaden the team`s player options.
With experienced players like Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, and Rose Lavelle currently unavailable, numerous players have been rotating in and out of camps since 2025 began, and this trend will continue. As each camp progresses, the question is: which lesser-known players are seizing their opportunities?
Rising Stock
These players have shown significant improvement from the January camps through April. Their performances have resulted in increased playing time or starting positions and have positively impacted the games. They are strong contenders for future camps and potentially starting roles.
Alyssa Thompson (Forward): Thompson is undeniably making a case for a starting position. Hayes believes the winger “has progressed significantly” and has been involved in every camp in 2025 so far. This is high praise for a player still early in her career.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Goalkeeper): Tullis-Joyce delivered a standout performance in the first match against Brazil. A clean sheet and six crucial saves against a technically gifted team have elevated her status in the goalkeeper pool, as the team seeks a solution for the starting position.
Claire Hutton (Midfielder): The Kansas City Current midfielder impressed in her start in the second match, winning the ball that initiated the US`s only goal on Tuesday. Despite the 4-2-3-1 formation appearing to have two holding midfielders, the 19-year-old primarily functioned as a lone defensive midfielder in the No. 6 role, demonstrating composure throughout the game.
Stable Stock
These players were part of the pool before the January camps and have consistently received call-ups and playing time in matches throughout 2025. They are considered part of the current player pool that the coaching staff intends to keep in consideration for rosters for the remainder of the year, assuming they remain healthy.
Catarina Macario (Forward): Macario of Chelsea FC has successfully returned from an ACL injury and was even considered for the 2024 Olympic roster. However, she withdrew due to knee soreness. She is now playing more consistently for both club and country and has scored in three of the four matches she has started this year.
Ally Sentnor (Forward): Sentnor was once considered a developing player, but her impressive rookie season with Utah Royals in 2024 and her performance with the U20 World Cup team earned her call-ups to the senior team prior to her `futures camp` debut in January. She has been included in camps as both an attacking midfield and forward option and is expected to receive more call-ups this year.
Falling Stock
These current players have been called in, but their recent performances have raised questions about their place in the player pool, rather than solidifying their position in the senior team plans.
Mandy McGlynn (Goalkeeper): McGlynn has only made three starts for the national team, but her two appearances in 2025 have created more questions than answers. In both matches, late goals were conceded, indicating areas for improvement as the coaching staff continues to evaluate goalkeeping options.
Jaedyn Shaw (Midfielder): Hayes has emphasized that player evaluation over the next two years will be critical for roster construction. Some younger players may see their senior team minutes reduced and transitioned to the relaunched U23 program. Shaw`s decreased playing time and slower start to this NWSL season could suggest that Hayes wants her to focus on regaining her confidence.
Tara McKeown (Defender): McKeown has quickly gained trust from the coaching staff in her short time with the USWNT. Brazil presented significant challenges in attacking transitions, and McKeown had mixed performances. Given injuries in the defensive line, she is likely to remain in consideration for future camps if her club form remains consistent.
Undefined Stock
Alana Cook (Defender) and Ashley Hatch (Forward): Both players were named to the April roster, marking their return to national team camps for the first time since 2023. Their limited playing time in the two-game series suggests their current standing in the player pool remains similar to before – on the periphery.
Benedict Kingsley