If this was a preview of what the rest of the Emma Hayes era will look like, fans of the U.S. women’s national team are in for a treat. It’s too soon to say that the USWNT is all the way back to its best but, if Saturday’s demolition of Korea Republic was any indication, this Hayes-USWNT partnership could be something special.
In her first match in charge, the U.S. smashed their way to a 4-0 victory and, to their credit, it didn’t even feel that close. This was a complete performance from top to bottom, one that saw every player on the field raise their level in a bid to impress their new boss.
No one raised it higher than Mallory Swanson, who scored two and assisted another to further her push to the starting XI. An injury robbed her of a World Cup last year, but there doesn’t appear to be anything that can stop her from regaining an Olympic spot.
Same for Tierna Davidson, who provided an unlikely brace of her own. The centerback can’t be counted on for too many goals, but she got two on Saturday to stake her claim for a starting spot of her own.
Hayes will have some tough decisions going forward but Saturday’s match made those look like champagne problems. This USNWT has the potential to be very, very good and, with Hayes at the helm, you’re already seeing them take steps toward that potential.
GOAL rates the USWNT’s players from Dick’s Sporting Goods Park…
Goalkeeper & Defense
Jane Campbell (6/10):
Didn’t get called upon much as the USWNT largely dominated the game.
Jenna Nighswonger (7/10):
Looked really solid defensively and was typically good in the attack. Growing as a player before our very eyes.
Naomi Girma (8/10):
Provided the hockey assist on Smith’s goal and was great in defense as always. Her passing is such an asset for this team as is her leadership, which is why she took the armband towards the end.
Tierna Davidson (9/10):
Who would have thought we’d be talking about a Davidson brace? A huge game from the defender, who will never be counted on to score as she did on Saturday. Those goals are a nice bonus, though, as she pushes for a starting spot.
Emily Fox (6/10):
A weirdly lethargic performance from Fox, who wasn’t bad but not great. Was taken off at halftime as a result.
Midfield
Sam Coffey (7/10):
As usual, did the dirty work and even had a really good look at goal. Still, there are questions if she’s dynamic enough for the top, top teams, but she was fine in this one.
Lindsey Horan (7/10):
It feels like Hayes is going to love Horan in midfield. Does so many things well, from final-third dummies to midfield tiki-taka.
Catarina Macario (6/10):
Provided the assist from a corner on Davidson’s first but, otherwise, didn’t quite look up to the pace. Clearly just needs more minutes after her long injury layoff.
Attack
Mallory Swanson (9/10):
If you had any doubts about her starting, put those to bed. Swanson is all the way back and her recent performances for both club and country make her a lock for the Olympics.
Sophia Smith (8/10):
A striker’s finish, to say the least! So much has been made of where Smith is best, but she looked mighty comfortable centrally, particularly on the opening goal.
Trinity Rodman(7/10):
Was outshined by her two attacking teammates, but Rodman still had a good game herself. She’s just so dangerous on the ball and, even when she doesn’t get a goal, she always feels close.
Subs & Manager
Casey Krueger (6/10):
Replaced Fox at halftime, but didn’t make too much of an impact.
Jaedyn Shaw (6/10):
Almost scored mere minutes after coming on. Such a dynamic player that’s only getting better.
Samantha Staab (6/10):
First USWNT cap and she nearly got her first USWNT goal. Didn’t look phased by a moment that, for her, will have felt like a long time coming.
Rose Lavelle (8/10):
A great assist on the fourth goal of the game. That’s what Lavelle brings to the table when healthy.
Crystal Dunn (7/10):
She’s a forward! It was her pressing, though, that created the USWNT’s fourth goal.
Korbin Albert (N/A):
Was showered by boos when she came on, but it didn’t seem to impact her as she looked confident in midfield.
Emma Hayes (10/10):
Can’t ask for a better start than that, can you? A blowout win, stars stepping up and an identity taking shape… the USWNT are on their way.
