US women’s national team head teacher Emma Hayes expanded the lake for players at her first post-Olympic event in October. This system recently celebrated its Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal victory during a three-match international window, beating Iceland twice and Argentina once. Several players from the Olympic roster were named to the 26-player training camp with plenty of rookies at the combine.
Hayes described the friendly trio as a chance to announce and experiment with rotations and techniques. Several players made their debut, scored their first international goals or, in some cases, completed both. Defender Naomi Girma helps continue to evolve as one of the best players in the world, and the center back added the role of goalscorer to her resume in new friendlies. Generation Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson treated everyone to a “double espresso” this window, how did those who didn’t start do?
There are only two games left in the calendar year and with a two-game series scheduled in Europe (November 30 in England and December 3 in the Netherlands), who are the players who asked for more week? Called to the USWNT fields?
Let’s take a look at some avid gamers who had standout moments during the October global window and could well be locked in for a trip to Europe:
Goalkeepers
Casey Murphy: Murphy has been patiently in the mix as the team’s de facto alternate goalkeeper, typically throwing in a game here and there in the form up to major world tournaments, where she helps keep the gloved hand steady in the North Carolina Braveness role in the NWSL. She started the USWNT’s second match against Iceland and faced four shots, three of them in the right direction.
He had a mistake on a suite piece, but sometimes there’s not much you can do other than tip your hat to a player who nails an Olympic from the corner flag. His reaction later helped everyone prepare the defense for luck and showed a strong psychological change towards an impressive Icelandic team.
Defenders
Emily Sams: Orlando defender Joy won a gold medal with the USWNT despite not playing a single role with the team before or during the Olympics. Sams earned her spot on the Olympic matchday roster on the field of an injured Tierna Davidson and reminded everyone in Iceland why she belongs in the defensive group going forward. Sams had provided connectivity during his passing, had excellent position during his shift, and provided retainer coverage whenever his core wife, Emily Sonnet, found herself in difficult situations.
Jenna Nightswonger: Generation Nighswonger had a more intense role during the Olympics with Crystal Dunn, there is the slightest doubt that she will be an outdoor weekend finale for the participating lake. The NJ/NY Gotham FC player isn’t afraid to go all out on attacks or shut them down, and Nighswonger’s confidence grows with each national team appearance. She has claimed a spot on the left back lake, but is obviously comfortable up top if necessary.
Midfielders
Hal Hershfelt: There hasn’t been a midfielder making a crisis in the defensive half since Julie Ertz. Better in his rookie season with the Washington Spirit, Hershfelt’s minutes at two sticks reminded the crowd of a time when opposing teams were afraid to play during the USWNT’s third-place finish. It was a great arrival for the national team and perhaps there will be enough for more appearances in the future.
Forwards
Alyssa Thompson: Later, just 17 minutes into the 2023 FIFA Women’s International Cup, surprise and fashion prevented her from making the USWNT Olympic roster. Rather than remain stagnant, the 19-year-old is in very good shape for Angel Town FC and confirmed that she will also be able to translate her talents from the club to the national level. She stole the show during the USWNT’s first game against Iceland as she cut through defenders and scored a goal.
Emma Sears: The Racing Louisville attacker scored a goal and provided an assist in her debut against Iceland. He lived up to the pace and was undeterred during the crest, and while playing against Argentina, he took on defenders one on one and delivered crosses. A good dose of brave games is a big factor in the national team.
I need to see more of
Ashley Sanchez: After 0 minutes in the 2023 International Cup, an industry for an unused club team, and out of the Olympic squad, Sánchez returns to the national team. The midfielder’s stellar club games with the North Carolina Braveness earned her an option again and she had excellent action in her only game against Argentina. In fact, it increased once Swanson and Krueger came in and it felt like maybe another global competition and we would see a feature or help. It left the public needing more and we see it with optimism.
Alyssa Malonson: She has become a crucial player with Bay FC this year as her club fights to make the playoffs. Her efforts earned her a USWNT camp fan who needed to one day grow in the sport in her debut against Argentina. She has an abundant ceiling and confirmed that she will be able to turn the juice around and, in the end, she felt more comfortable in her debut. She provided help at one of Girma’s functions.
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