Head coach Emma Hayes reaches her one-year anniversary leading the U.S. Women`s National Team as they conclude their international window against Jamaica on Tuesday.
This friendly, originally scheduled against China, now features a familiar Concacaf opponent, the Reggae Girlz of Jamaica. The match will take place at Energizer Park in St. Louis. The U.S. team recently defeated China 3-0 on Saturday, while Jamaica suffered two losses against Mexico in April.
Hayes` team seeks a second consecutive shutout following a split series against Brazil in April (a 2-0 win and 2-1 loss). Having secured a win against China to start the summer, the coaching staff continues to assess the player pool. Some players are still vying for their first appearances; midfielder Lo`eau LaBonta debuted Saturday at age 32, and defender Kerry Abello and goalkeeper Claudia Dickey might earn their first caps on Tuesday.
Jamaica`s April matches were challenging, conceding seven goals across two losses to Mexico. Coach Hubert Busby Jr. faces further difficulties with key players absent, including star striker Bunny Shaw, midfielder Drew Spence, and experienced goalkeeper Rebeca Spencer. Shaw`s return from a foot injury currently has no set timeline.
Last Meeting
This upcoming match is the sixth encounter between the two nations. The USWNT has won all five previous meetings against Jamaica. Their most recent clash was in the 2022 Concacaf W Championship (a 2023 World Cup qualifier), where the U.S. secured a dominant 5-0 victory with goals from Sophia Wilson, Rose Lavelle, Kristie Mewis, and Trinity Rodman.
What the USWNT is Saying
Discussing the recent win over China, USWNT coach Emma Hayes highlighted the team`s tactical progression. She noted that players are showing improved understanding and decision-making, allowing the team to operate at a higher level. Hayes expressed satisfaction with the team`s ability to find solutions against different defensive setups and emphasized the growing control and capacity within the squad.
What Jamaica is Saying
Jamaican coach Hubert Busby Jr. addressed the team`s current phase, emphasizing the need to evaluate the talent pool, especially with several experienced players unavailable. He acknowledged the recent losses to Mexico caused concern but insisted the team is focused on progression through these tough fixtures, which provide opportunities to experiment and refine tactics ahead of future World Cup cycles. He described the process as assembling a “jigsaw puzzle,” acknowledging they are not yet at the finished product but are making progress by extracting information from each match.
Anticipated Starting Lineups
USWNT: Claudia Dickey; Emily Fox, Tara McKeown, Emily Sams, Kerry Abello; Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, Lindsey Heaps; Catatrina Macario, Ally Sentnor, Alyssa Thompson
Jamaica: Sydney Schneider; Naya Cardoza, Chantelle Swaby, Allyson Swaby, Konya Plummer; Deneisha Blackwood, Olufolasade Adamolekun, Amelia Van Zanten, Atlanta Primus; Tiffany Cameron, Jody Brown
Player to Watch
Claire Hutton, USWNT: The 19-year-old midfielder from Kansas City Current is a key young talent. She has featured in recent USWNT camps and matches, demonstrating her ability to contribute both defensively and offensively from a deep-lying position. Her developing partnership with Lily Yohannes is something the coaching staff may look to further explore.
Prediction
Given Jamaica`s recent form, injury absences, and the USWNT`s tactical improvements and squad depth, this match could be one-sided. The U.S. is likely to control possession and create numerous chances.
Predicted Score: USWNT 3, Jamaica 0
Dominic Ashworth