The United States women`s national team`s two friendly matches in April didn`t unfold perfectly, yet these 180 minutes proved invaluable for the team`s promising future. Despite a 2-1 defeat on Tuesday, marked by a late goal in stoppage time, Coach Emma Hayes and the team gained crucial insights. The coaching staff prioritized tactical evaluation across both games, and fielding a less experienced lineup in the second friendly highlighted areas needing development under pressure.
These matches are part of a broader evaluation strategy for Hayes and her staff as they prepare for the 2027 FIFA Women`s World Cup. Hayes suggested pre-match that the USWNT might travel to Brazil in 2025 for enhanced team-building experiences leading up to the tournament hosted by their nation. Post-game, she emphasized that 2025 matches will focus on player development and assessment rather than solely on match outcomes.
`This camp has been very beneficial. We shouldn`t always judge progress by results,` Hayes stated. `If my only goal was immediate success, I wouldn`t implement as many changes. However, my decisions are long-term oriented; I`m focused on expanding our player pool and evaluating players in challenging game situations.`
Forward Trinity Rodman rejoined the USWNT camp in April, reuniting a third of the formidable `triple espresso` attack from the 2024 Olympic gold medal team, alongside Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson. With a longer timeframe to the World Cup and several players recovering from injuries, Hayes has clearly indicated that now is the time to explore and broaden the pool of available players.
With experienced gold medalists Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, and Rose Lavelle currently unavailable, numerous players have been integrated into and out of camps since 2025 began, and this trend will persist. As each camp progresses, the question remains: which lesser-known players are seizing their opportunities?
Here are players who, in my view, have made team selection more challenging for the coaching staff following the April friendlies:
Stock Up
These players have shown significant improvement from the January camps through April. Their performances have earned them increased playing time or starting positions and have positively influenced game outcomes. They are strong contenders for future camps and potentially even starting roles.
Alyssa Thompson (Forward): Thompson is undeniably moving into contention for a regular starting spot. Hayes believes the winger `has progressed significantly` and she has been involved in every camp in 2025. This is high praise for a player still early in her career.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Goalkeeper): Tullis-Joyce delivered a standout performance in the first match against Brazil. A clean sheet and six crucial saves against a technically skilled team have elevated her status in the goalkeeper pool, where the starting position is still open.
Claire Hutton (Midfielder): The Kansas City Current midfielder made a strong start in the second match and won possession leading to the USA`s only goal on Tuesday. Despite the 4-2-3-1 formation suggesting two holding midfielders, the 19-year-old primarily functioned as a lone defensive midfielder in the No. 6 role, maintaining composure throughout the game.
Stable
These players were part of the squad before the January camps and have consistently received call-ups and playing time in matches throughout 2025. They are considered core members of the current player pool who the coaching staff will continue to include in rosters for the rest of the year, provided they remain healthy.
Catarina Macario (Forward): Macario, playing for Chelsea FC, has returned from an ACL injury and was even considered for the 2024 Olympic roster but withdrew due to knee soreness. She is now playing with greater consistency for both club and country, and has scored in three of her four starts this year.
Ally Sentnor (Forward): Sentnor was previously considered a developmental player, but her impressive 2024 rookie season with Utah Royals and the U20 World Cup team earned her call-ups to the senior team before her `futures camp` debut in January. She has been called up as both an attacking midfielder and a forward and is expected to receive further call-ups this year.
Stock Down
These current players have been called up, but their performances have raised more questions about their place in the player pool, rather than solidifying their position in the senior team setup.
Mandy McGlynn (Goalkeeper): McGlynn has only made three starts for the national team, but her two appearances in 2025 have created more uncertainties than certainties. In both matches, late goals were conceded, indicating ongoing learning for her as the coaching staff seeks goalkeeping solutions.
Jaedyn Shaw (Midfielder): Hayes has emphasized that player evaluations over the next two years are crucial for roster development. Some younger players may see reduced senior team time and be directed to the relaunched U23 program. Shaw`s decreased playing time and slower start to this NWSL season could suggest Hayes wants her to focus on regaining confidence.
Tara McKeown (Defender): McKeown has built considerable trust with the coaching staff in her limited time with the USWNT. Brazil presented significant challenges in attacking transitions, and McKeown experienced mixed moments. With injuries in the defensive line, she is likely to remain in consideration for future camps if her club form remains strong.
Undefined
Alana Cook (Defender) and Ashley Hatch (Forward): Both players were included in the April roster, marking their return to national team camps for the first time since 2023. Their limited playing time in the two-game series suggests their position in the player pool remains unchanged – still on the periphery.
Dominic Ashworth