The U.S. roster features a mix of new and familiar faces as Hayes continues her process of trial and error
The U.S. women's national team is in a period of transition, and anyone who follows international soccer knows that navigating change isn't easy. It is rarely straightforward. Ushering in a new era isn't as simple as inserting youngsters and tell them to sink or swim.
No, this is all about nuance.
Emma Hayes' squad for upcoming games against China and Jamaica illustrates that perfectly. Yes, there are fresh faces, many of whom are just starting their professional careers. There's also a 32-year-old veteran in the team hunting for her first USWNT cap. USWNT debuts aren't just for the 20-somethings; they're also for anyone else that Hayes deems able to help the team.
"Help" comes in many forms, after all, especially with a team that is trending towards youth.
Depsite winning the Olympic gold medal less than a year ago, this USWNT is still very much in the learning phase, as Hayes looks to learn more about the newcomers – and those newcomers also need to learn more about what it takes to succeed under Hayes.
The group that will take on China on Saturday night in Minnesota features seven players that weren't in the squad against Brazil in April, ranging from potential debutants to arguably the best in the world at their positions.
What will the USWNT's friendly look like on Saturday? How will Hayes navigate the change? GOAL looks at five keys for the U.S. squad against China.
Getty Images Lo'eau LaBonta finally gets her chance
You don't often see 32-year-old debutants, particularly near the start of an international cycle. But that's the case with Lo'eau LaBonta, and her call-up is no simple gesture.
Sensing her side needed more leadership – particularly with the likes of Sophia Wilson, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman not in this camp – Hayes turned to the veteran midfielder, who, despite her lack of caps, does bring plenty of NWSL experience to this USWNT.
The Kansas City Current midfielder is a known leader on the club level and, now playing under former USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski in the NWSL, her game has taken an even bigger leap forward.
“She’s been consistent in everything that she has done. With the volume of young players or less experienced players we’re bringing in, I think we have to get that balance right,” Hayes said. “This is the right moment to do it.”
This is no doubt a dream moment for LaBonta, and one she will be eager to maximize. Realistically, there's little chance she'll be a long-term fixture, particularly as Hayes turns over the roster to a new generation of young stars ahead of the 2027 World Cup. However, just making it to the team is a huge achievement for LaBonta, and – with the potential for her first cap – she knows that she does have a part to play as a veteran, not a newcomer.
“I’m honestly going in like, ‘What can I do to contribute?” LaBonta told the Athletic. “I’ve always thrived with amazing people around me, so I know what I’m good at. I’m going to bring that, and I’m also going to ask how I can help off the field. I have no USWNT experience, but I have over 10 years in the league and leading.
“I’m going in expecting nothing, and willing to give everything.”
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWhat can USWNT get out of Emily Fox?
Upon her arrival to the USWMNT camp, Emily Fox was given a hero's welcome. Her teammates waved American flags in her face. Silly string immediately found its way into her hair. The mood was celebratory, for good reason.
Fox arrived in USWNT camp as a Champions League winner, having played all 90 minutes in Arsenal's 1-0 triumph over Barcelona in Saturday's final. Fox, as she always is, was steady and solid, helping Arsenal silence one of the best teams in the world.
Now, just days after the trophy parade, she's entered USWNT camp, and that begs the question: what the hell could she possibly have left in the tank?
“It was so cool," Fox said of the celebration. "I think we really had the time to celebrate and connect with each other, connect with the fans, and it definitely makes it more surreal when you have that time.
"I’d use the word surreal and just honored in the sense that I think when you’re in it, it’s hard to appreciate it, because you're always used to just go, go, going, and what’s the next thing. But then again, when you have that time to connect with the fans, and the entire season … we have the most fans at the games as is. So I just think it's been an unreal experience."
Don't be surprised to see playing time limited for Fox, if she plays at all. With Gisele Thompson also now out of camp due to a minor injury, does that open the door for someone such as Avery Patterson to get a chance? Fox will surely want to play but it may be best to give someone else a go, at least in the first game of the window.
ImagnWhere to find goals?
Again, no Triple Espresso so, again, the big question: where are the goals coming from?
The USWNT has generally done a pretty good job of answering. Alyssa Thompson has taken a leap forward. Catarina Macario offers a reference point, one that's very different than any other in the pool.
Ally Sentnor, Michelle Cooper and Emma Sears are all players who have shown legitimate flashes, while veteran Lynn Biyendolo is back to offer some experience and know-how to an otherwise young attacking group.
It's an interesting puzzle for Hayes. Surely, she'll lean more towards the young players in these games, which don't come against the same strength of opponents as recent matches. You would expect Thompson and Sentnor to really get after it, giving both more experience on the road to 2027.
This USWNT continues to adapt to life without Swanson, Rodman and Wilson. And with that seeming be the case for some time, this is yet another opportunity for up-and-comers to make their marks.
Getty ImagesNaomi Girma is back – now what?
It wouldn't be fair to say the USWNT looked frail without Naomi Girma, because they didn't. Even without her, they have still played well this year, despite losses to Japan and Brazil.
There's no doubt, though, that this team is much better with Girma back. Such is the difference it makes when you add arguably the best defender in the world. This will be the first time Girma suits up for the USWNT in 2025, and Hayes welcomed her back.
"You cannot underestimate the importance of players like Naomi Girma to this team," Hayes said last week. "We've been without a lot of experienced players over the last six, seven or eight months, so getting some of that back in this camp with Naomi, we'll add not just quality, but that leadership piece. She's the vice captain of the team. She's someone who is growing into that role.
"I know she's missed it terribly and, when you make as big of a move as she did, it does take a little bit of time to settle in. It's taken her body some time to adjust, but she's in a great place. She's very, very excited to be back with us."
Who partners with her? Emily Sonnett seems the obvious answer, but Tara McKeown and Emily Sams are in camp, too. Is this a chance to see how they look next to a superstar in Girma?