USWNT vs. Canada: Players to Watch in Emma Hayes’ Roster Experimentation

The U.S. women`s national team concludes its summer friendly matches with a significant clash against Canada on Wednesday. Following two decisive 4-0 victories over Ireland, this regional rivalry presents a different challenge for a youthful USWNT roster eager to make their mark on the coaching staff, especially now that the stakes are higher compared to earlier in the year.

This encounter marks the 67th meeting between these two nations. The focus of this match extends beyond the starting lineup against their northern neighbors to how recent player debuts and breakthroughs have fundamentally altered the composition of the USWNT player pool for upcoming cycles. The team`s next assembly is scheduled for the fall international windows, approximately 13 months ahead of the November 2026 Concacaf W Championship, which serves as the region`s qualifiers for the FIFA Women`s World Cup.

Many players are looking to prove they belong in the team`s plans for the 2027-28 cycle. We`ll examine which players are showing upward trajectory and who might need this final test against Canada to solidify their position within the squad.

Why the Player Pool Experimentation?

This period of significant change can be attributed to a generational shift within the USWNT. Numerous player retirements over the past two years, combined with the arrival of new head coach Emma Hayes and her staff, led to a deliberate decision to rebuild and strengthen the team following the disappointing 2023 World Cup exit. While the 2024 Olympic gold medal re-established their position at the top, 2025 has been dedicated to expanding the player pool and experimenting, partly due to several gold medal squad members being unavailable for selection for the last six months.

Key attacking players known as `Triple Espresso` – Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman – have been largely absent throughout 2025. Rodman is currently managing a lingering back injury with no set return date. Meanwhile, Smith and Swanson are on maternity leave and are not expected back this year. Other prominent players like defender Naomi Girma and midfielder Rose Lavelle returned to the roster in May and June, respectively.

What`s at Stake for the Players?

With many regular players unavailable, numerous new faces have joined the squad. While two dominant wins against an injury-hit Ireland provided some positive results, a stronger test was needed. Canada serves as the ideal opponent, offering a physical challenge, hardened resolve, and battle-tested players that provide the ultimate stress test for this evolving USWNT.

Emma Hayes has been clear that she plans to narrow down the expanded player pool after the summer international window. This is part of the coaching staff`s long-term timeline for building towards the 2027-28 cycle. Some current players have only been involved with the senior team for six months, while others have been part of the group since the previous fall.

Players to Watch Against Canada

The match against Canada is particularly important for players competing for depth roles – the third, fourth, or fifth options outside the likely starting eleven. Canada provides an optimal test to evaluate players vying for these positions.

Here are five players we believe are crucial to watch during the match against Canada on Wednesday:

• Avery Patterson: The outside back has shown promise in her five appearances. Her performance against China in May was an improvement from her debut minutes against Brazil in April, and she scored her first national team goal starting against Ireland. Coach Hayes praised her improvement and ability to learn but noted the need for her to be tested defensively – a challenge Canada will certainly provide.
• Michelle Cooper: This winger has maximized her opportunities and has been a consistent presence in national team camps this year. Her play is noticeable, described metaphorically as aggressive and dynamic. She attacks opposing defenses fearlessly, which might appear reckless at times, but with more match experience, this energy could become a vital asset.
• Yazmeen Ryan: Another forward option capable of crafty wing play. Her club move to the Houston Dash hasn`t gone perfectly, partly due to a lingering injury. She scored her first national team goal against Ireland after being part of USWNT camps since the previous fall.
• Mandy McGlynn: Phallon Tulis-Joyce is the only goalkeeper who has received consecutive starts in 2025. With Canada being the highest-ranked opponent in this window, we might see McGlynn get the start. She is the most capped goalkeeper on the current roster with five prior starts. However, her performances against top teams like Brazil showed areas for improvement. A start against Canada would be an excellent opportunity to assess her development under pressure.
• Giselle Thompson: This fullback is having a strong club season alongside her sister Alyssa Thompson at Angel City FC. Her defensive performances have been solid enough that the coaching staff wanted to evaluate her further in attacking roles, even calling her up as part of the forward pool earlier this month before injury forced her withdrawal. Now back, she has a chance to challenge a formidable opponent like Canada.