As USWNT Head Coach Emma Hayes marks her first year leading the team, the squad wraps up its current international window with a friendly against Jamaica on Tuesday.
Initially scheduled as a two-match series versus China, the switch in opponent sees the team now face a familiar Concacaf neighbor, the Reggae Girlz. The Stars and Stripes will take on Jamaica at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The United States is coming off a 3-0 victory over China on Saturday, while Jamaica suffered two losses against regional rivals Mexico in their April window.
Hayes and her team will be aiming for a second consecutive clean sheet after splitting their April series against Brazil with a 2-0 win and a 2-1 loss. With a win against China secured to kick off the summer, the coaching staff continues to assess the player pool, and individuals are still earning their initial caps with the squad. Midfielder Lo`eau LaBonta made her debut at the age of 32 on Saturday, and defender Kerry Abello and goalkeeper Claudia Dickey could potentially earn their first appearances on Tuesday evening.
Jamaica`s challenging April period saw them concede seven goals across two defeats to Mexico. Head coach Hubert Busby Jr. will be without key players, including top striker Bunny Shaw, midfielder Drew Spence, and veteran goalkeeper Rebeca Spencer. The manager has not provided a timeframe for Shaw`s return as she recovers from a foot injury.
Here`s a look at the storylines, how to watch the match, and more:
How to Watch USWNT vs. Jamaica
- Date: Tuesday, June 3
- Time: 8 p.m ET
- Location: Energizer Park — St. Louis, Mo.
- TV: TNT
- Live stream: Max
Last Meeting
Tuesday`s match will be the sixth encounter between the two nations all-time. The USWNT has won all five previous matches against the Reggae Girlz. Their most recent face-off was during the 2022 Concacaf W Championship, which served as a qualifier for the 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup. The U.S. national team dominated that match, winning 5-0 with goals scored by Sophia Wilson, Rose Lavelle, Kristie Mewis, and Trinity Rodman.
What the USWNT are Saying
The group was tested early in their match against China, particularly in the opening five minutes, but eventually found their offensive rhythm just before the half-hour mark. The USWNT secured a convincing 3-0 win, showing improved awareness and quicker decision-making when facing China`s high press compared to a more structured, defensive setup. Even after the win, the players, embodying a high-performance mindset, were already demanding more from themselves in post-game interviews. Coach Hayes sees this as a sign of the group`s tactical advancement.
“When you`re trying to integrate so many new players, as a coach, you want to ensure that each time you`re with them, you are making fewer and fewer tactical adjustments. This week, we`ve had to make fewer than ever before,” Hayes commented after the China match. “Because Avery Patterson understands her positioning on both sides of the ball, as does Lily [Yohannes], and Michelle Cooper, that, in turn, allows the group as a whole to elevate its level because they are improving their tactical understanding.”
She continued, “But I am asking them to deliver a performance with a certain level of patience, so I won`t criticize them for that. I feel like tactically, we have advanced to another level. I genuinely feel that way. I feel that there are so many more players who are much more in control, which enables us to achieve more.”
What Jamaica are Saying
As Jamaica begins its preparation for the next World Cup cycle, head coach Hubert Busby Jr. finds himself in a similar situation, needing to evaluate the talent pool while several experienced players are unavailable for this window. The program has experienced numerous highs and lows as it seeks to build upon the success of its two previous World Cup appearances.
A two-game losing streak against Mexico generated some concern among the island`s loyal supporters, but Busby insists that the team is moving in the right direction with fixtures against strong Concacaf rivals and a match against England`s Lionesses scheduled for later this month.
“As we transitioned from that game into this one, we analyzed a few things, and tried some different players in different positions. We had discussions about players and looking to experiment,” he stated after announcing the Reggae Girlz roster. “That`s what these games are for. We know we have our strengths, we have our deficiencies, but we must be able to utilize these matches. I know everyone wants to win every single match. That`s what we`re here for… but these games are for us to be able to experiment and try things. We can`t do that in World Cup qualifiers, right? So we need to be able to have this complete picture of what`s happening.”
He added, “There are all these little puzzle pieces, these little jigsaw pieces that we have to be able to put together, that will allow us to create this finished product. And again, we`re not anywhere near where we should be yet, but I think we are in the process of getting there… It is always about progression. Even if it might not seem like it because the results don`t show it, we take the information, we extract it, and we gain a better understanding of our position. We can then add it to our toolbox and file it away.”
Predicted Lineups
- USWNT: Claudia Dickey; Emily Fox, Tara McKeown, Emily Sams, Kerry Abello; Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, Lindsey Heaps; Catatrina Macario, Ally Sentnor, Alyssa Thompson
- Jamaica: Sydney Schneider; Naya Cardoza, Chantelle Swaby, Allyson Swaby, Konya Plummer; Deneisha Blackwood, Olufolasade Adamolekun, Amelia Van Zanten, Atlanta Primus; Tiffany Cameron, Jody Brown
Player to Watch
Claire Hutton, USWNT: The deep-lying midfielder has been involved in USWNT camps throughout 2025 and has already earned two appearances. The 19-year-old Kansas City Current player has been a critical component in the midfield for her club, acting as both a collaborator and disruptor, while also contributing two assists and creating five scoring opportunities. Hutton is developing strong chemistry with Yohannes in their matches this year, and the U.S. coaching staff may want to see them play together more often.
Prediction
The USWNT prepared for a defensively organized China side and faced something different. They might be overly prepared for a Jamaica team that typically employs a mid to low defensive block against them. With many of Jamaica`s key players unavailable, this match could turn out to be another one-sided affair.
Pick: USWNT 3, Jamaica 0
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Benedict Kingsley