It’s clear that the United States women’s national team is in a period of transition and growth, with manager Emma Hayes using the recent friendly matches as part of a longer evaluation process leading up to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. While the results may not have gone their way, there were plenty of positives to take away from the performances of some key players.
One player who has certainly caught the eye is forward Alyssa Thompson. Hayes has praised Thompson for taking her game to the next level, and the winger has been a consistent presence in the camps throughout 2025. With her potential and room for growth, Thompson is definitely a player to keep an eye on as she continues to develop.
Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce also made a statement with an impressive showing in the opening fixture against Brazil. Her shutout and crucial saves have put her in contention for the starting role in a competitive goalkeeper pool. Tullis-Joyce’s performance has certainly given Hayes something to think about when it comes to selecting her goalkeepers for future matches.
Another player who has impressed is midfielder Claire Hutton. Despite her young age, Hutton showed maturity and composure in the midfield, playing a key role in setting up the lone American goal in the second friendly. Her performance as a defensive midfielder in a high-pressure game has certainly raised her stock in the eyes of the coaching staff.
On the other hand, there are some players whose performances have left more questions than answers. Goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn has struggled in her limited appearances, conceding late goals in both matches. This has put her position in the player pool under scrutiny, as the coaching staff continues to search for solutions in goal.
Midfielder Jaedyn Shaw has also seen her minutes dwindle, with a slower start to the NWSL season impacting her performance. Hayes has hinted that some younger players may see their senior time limited as the team prepares for the World Cup, and Shaw may need to work on regaining her confidence to secure her spot in the squad.
Defender Tara McKeown, despite the trust she has built with the coaching staff, had some mixed moments in the matches against Brazil. With the challenges presented by the opposition, McKeown will need to work on improving her performance to solidify her place in the team.
Overall, these friendly matches have provided valuable insights for the United States women’s national team as they continue to build towards the 2027 World Cup. With a mix of experienced players and rising stars, the team is well-positioned for success in the future, as they aim to defend their title as one of the top teams in women’s football. Injuries along the backline have opened up opportunities for players like Alana Cook and Ashley Hatch to make their mark on the national team. Both defenders were named to the April roster, marking their return to the national team camps for the first time since 2023. However, their limited minutes in the two-game series indicate that their place in the player pool remains the same – on the outside looking in.
Despite their limited playing time, Cook and Hatch have shown promise and potential. With injuries plaguing the backline, there is still a chance for them to solidify their spot in future camps if their club performances remain consistent. Cook, known for her strong defensive presence, and Hatch, a dynamic forward, bring different skill sets to the table that can benefit the national team.
As they continue to hone their craft and gain more experience at the club level, Cook and Hatch have the opportunity to prove themselves and earn more playing time with the national team. Their versatility and determination make them valuable assets for the future of the team.
It will be interesting to see how Cook and Hatch progress in their careers and if they can break into the starting lineup for the national team. With hard work and dedication, they have the potential to become key players for the team in the coming years. Keep an eye out for these two rising stars as they continue to make their mark on the soccer scene.
