During the U.S. women’s national team training camp in January, not many familiar faces were present, but the team made the most of the opportunity, securing two impressive victories.
On Saturday, they triumphed over Paraguay with a score of 6-0, featuring two goals from Allie St. Nord. Following that, Emma Hayes’ squad outplayed Chile 5-0, showcasing the least experienced starting lineup the team has seen in 25 years.
With international players and Gotham FC’s roster unavailable due to commitments in London for the FIFA Champions Cup, Hayes opted for a lineup primarily composed of younger NWSL talents. Some of these players could be contenders for the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, while others might solidify their roles on the team in the future.
Hayes mentioned that this was the final opportunity for new players to make their case ahead of the World Cup next year in Brazil. If all players are healthy, we can anticipate a return to the “core group” Hayes referenced during the upcoming SheBelieves Cup.
Here’s what I took away from the January camp.
1. Trinity Rodman shines
Trinity Rodman had a standout training camp, both on and off the pitch.
She signed a groundbreaking multi-million dollar contract with the Washington Spirit just before the games, making her the highest-paid female soccer player worldwide at just 23 years old.
This contract eliminated the stress Rodman had faced about her future, allowing her to focus on the camp. Wearing the captain’s armband for the first time during the match against Paraguay, she looked jubilant, scoring in both matches and celebrating with Hayes after a goal against Chile.
Hayes expressed her pride in Rodman’s development and the significance of her landmark contract.
“I haven’t told her this yet, but she is really maturing,” Hayes shared with reporters. “It’s essential for every player to find their footing. We need to focus on achieving the next set of goals instead of the contract situation.”
Rodman’s upcoming objectives include assisting her team in qualifying for the 2027 World Cup later this year.
2. Hayes hints at future leaders
Coaches can often feel pressured when discussing leadership within their teams. However, Hayes recognized the need to cultivate leadership qualities in various players as she worked with a less experienced roster this camp.
Lindsay Heaps, typically the captain, was unavailable, along with veterans like Naomi Girma, Rose Lavelle, and Emily Sonnett.
In preparation for the matches, Hayes aimed to entrust more responsibility to Rodman, Claire Hatton, and Emily Sams. Both Rodman and Hatton captained the first match, while Sams took on the role in the second match.
Sams expressed her intent to maintain high standards while wearing the armband, achieving that goal by scoring her first international goal and registering her first assist.
“I mentioned at the beginning that leadership can manifest in various ways,” Hayes noted. “For Trinity, it’s shown through her actions. Claire is definitely a future captain, and Emily Sams exemplifies this through her competitiveness and high standards.”
“I often say she reminds me of Emily Sonnett. She may not have many caps, but she’s always ready and prioritizes her teammates while being a quiet leader,” Hayes added.
3. Different starting lineups for both games
Hayes quickly made it clear that she would field two distinct lineups for the matches. This approach aimed to provide additional starting caps and broaden the team’s player pool.
She cautioned that the presence of numerous young and inexperienced players might lead to a less polished performance. The starting lineup in the second match averaged just five caps per player, reflecting its inexperience but resulting in strong victories.
“It doesn’t matter who wears the crest,” Hayes expressed. “Expectations of your role are clear.”
“To witness a tactical performance from less experienced players is significant. We’ve identified players capable of helping the U.S. regain its competitive edge and scoring ability, raising expectations for the program to the level it once knew,” she concluded.
4. Hayes assesses team depth
As previously stated by Hayes, this camp served as an important opportunity for players to step up ahead of World Cup qualifiers. With around 17 players vying for spots in SheBelieves, several positions remain available for participants from the January camp.
Despite the absence of many veterans, Hayes feels confident about the team’s depth and recognizes which players she intends to cultivate moving forward.
This training camp also created a platform for emerging players to validate their skills.
“The individuals stepping up for 2027 have showed that they’re not just competing but seizing opportunities that typically wouldn’t come their way,” Hayes stated.
“Performing well is crucial, regardless of experience. Across both games, the team exhibited maturity, overcoming the lack of familiarity and collective experience, which is all I ask of them,” she emphasized.
Hayes attributed much of this to the U-23 program and Coach Heather Dyche, who has prepared players for a smooth transition into the senior team dynamics.
“I’m continuously proud of their progress, and this clearly illustrates the success of the U-23 program,” said Hayes. “Players like Jordyn Bugg, Riley Jackson, Maddie Darian, and Jamise Joseph can seamlessly integrate. Heather and her staff have laid the groundwork for these players to understand our gameplay, which benefits us.”
4 1/2: What lies ahead for the USWNT?
(Photo Credit: Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
Up next for the team is the 11th SheBelieves Cup, with matches scheduled against Argentina on March 1 in Nashville, Canada on March 4 in Columbus, and Colombia on March 7 in Harrison, New Jersey.
This round will be especially intriguing, as Hayes has indicated a focus on a “core group” that may lead the team into next summer’s World Cup. The roster will likely differ significantly from that of the January camp.
Will Rodman make a return? She certainly will, and Sophia Smith, who welcomed her baby girl last year, is back on the training field with the Portland Thorns. Smith and her daughter were spotted cheering during the game against Chile.
Mallory Swanson also welcomed a daughter last fall and remains on maternity leave. When asked about her return, Hayes stated that she doesn’t expect Swanson to participate in the upcoming camp.
“She’ll come back when she’s ready, but not yet,” Hayes concluded.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights the emergence of new talent within the U.S. Women’s National Team as they prepare for the World Cup. This fresh dynamic not only invigorates the squad but also signals promising developments for women’s soccer in America.
