In a thrilling exhibition of talent, 17-year-old midfielder Lily Yohannes shone brightly as she returned to Allianz Field in Minnesota, nearly a year after marking her debut with the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) and scoring her first goal. The team faced off against China in a friendly match, concluding with a decisive 3-0 victory for the U.S. Yohannes played a pivotal role in the match, contributing significantly to ball progression and maintaining possession, emphasizing her growth as a player since joining the national team.
Head coach Emma Hayes, who celebrated her one-year anniversary with the team, praised Yohannes’s performance, highlighting her impressive connection with teammates and growth within the camp. The young midfielder is regarded as one of the most promising athletes in women’s soccer, showcasing exceptional playmaking abilities both for the USWNT and her club team, Ajax. As the national team gears up for the international cycle leading to 2027-28, Yohannes’s development is closely watched, with hopes that she will continue to evolve into a leading player for the U.S.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) A Memorable Return |
| 2) The Coach’s Insights |
| 3) A Rising Star in Women’s Soccer |
| 4) The Path to U.S. National Team |
| 5) The Future of Yohannes |
A Memorable Return
Returning to the site of her national debut, Lily Yohannes kicked off the match against China, representing a momentous occasion both for her and the U.S. Women’s National Team. The friendly, held at Allianz Field in Minnesota, was notable not only for the team’s victory but also for showcasing the growth of the young midfielder, who had scored her first international goal in the same venue nearly a year prior. Yohannes’s performance was instrumental in securing the win, characterized by her dual role in both advancing the ball and ensuring possession was retained, a testament to her evolving skills as a professional athlete.
In a match marked by solid teamwork and strategic play, the USWNT demonstrated its capabilities with goals from Catarina Macario, Sam Coffey, and Lindsey Heaps. Yohannes was not just a supporting player; she was a key component in the midfield, amassing seven total recoveries and showcasing her importance in disrupting China’s pressing attempts. This victory exemplifies the strides USWNT has made under Emma Hayes, looking towards future competitions.
The Coach’s Insights
Head coach Emma Hayes, now marking one year at the helm, provided valuable insights into Yohannes’ development throughout the match. After the game, she noted,
“I thought Sam [Coffey] was superb. I thought Lily [Yohannes] grew into the game…the team chemistry, the team cohesion has improved a lot [in] this camp.”
This statement underscores the cohesion and caliber of teamwork that is being fostered, particularly with younger players like Yohannes stepping in to fill critical roles.
Hayes has been a pivotal figure in guiding Yohannes, who has shown remarkable maturity in her gameplay. The coach emphasized the need for patience in nurturing her talent, stating that Yohannes still has “a lot of development to do.” Understanding the complexities of higher-level competition and refining her skills will be crucial as she navigates through international play. The approach that Hayes is taking epitomizes a balancing act between immediate performance and long-term development, especially as world-class opponents loom in major tournaments like the World Cup.
A Rising Star in Women’s Soccer
At just 17 years old, Lily Yohannes is fast becoming a household name in women’s soccer. Her expertise and technical skills have made her stand out, especially notable as she was the youngest player to begin a UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage game. Furthermore, she holds the distinction of being the eighth-youngest player ever to debut for the USWNT and the third youngest to score for the senior national team.
Yohannes’s journey into elite soccer began in Virginia and blossomed in Europe, after her family relocated in 2017. This transition led her to join Ajax academies, where she honed her skills and earned a full contract in 2023. Through her achievements, the excitement surrounding her has intensified, particularly due to speculations about her international eligibility. Questions often arose regarding whether she would represent the United States or the Netherlands; however, she ultimately declared her allegiance to the U.S.
The Path to U.S. National Team
Yohannes made waves when she received her first USWNT call-up during Coach Hayes’ initial matches as head coach in June 2024. Following her debut, she took to social media, expressing her gratitude towards both U.S. and Dutch football federations for their unwavering support during her decision-making process regarding her international commitments.
“After much consideration, I have decided to commit to represent my country, the United States,”
she declared, emphasizing her ties to her homeland and her excitement for the future.
Since the start of 2025, Yohannes has remained consistently named in every senior roster, participating in January camps, the SheBelieves Cup, and various friendlies to jumpstart her summer. With six appearances under her belt, her presence is clearly felt on the field, despite still experiencing a degree of inconsistency typical for a young player. Coach Hayes is committed to her gradual development while ensuring she receives the essential experience at an international level.
The Future of Yohannes
Observing Lily Yohannes during her experiences in the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) and with the USWNT, it’s evident that she is absorbing valuable lessons and mentorship from her teammates. She has frequently credited veteran players, notably Lindsey Heaps and Catarina Macario, for facilitating her transition into the national team.
She conveyed her appreciation by stating that the experienced players have made the process of becoming part of the team much smoother. As she continues to grow more comfortable in this environment, her confidence as a player rises in tandem, allowing her to exhibit her skills effectively when needed. Coaches and teammates have noted that her maturity, practical decision-making, and ability to maintain poise under pressure distinguish her from peers. Her game is defined by her exceptional passing range, which enables her to dictate tempo and break defensive lines adeptly.
Team vice-captain Naomi Girma, returning for her first year with the national team, recognizes Yohannes’s growing reputation. They draw parallels between their respective journeys, finding hope that Yohannes could emerge as a crucial adroit midfielder by the next World Cup. The excitement is palpable as everyone associated with the team anticipates how Yohannes’s journey will unfold in the upcoming years.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lily Yohannes, 17, played a key role in the USWNT’s 3-0 victory against China in Minnesota. |
| 2 | Head coach Emma Hayes praised Yohannes’s growth and emphasized patience in her development. |
| 3 | Yohannes has become a recognized talent in women’s soccer, breaking records at both club and international levels. |
| 4 | Yohannes officially declared her commitment to the U.S. national team after weighing her options. |
| 5 | The USWNT aims for continuous development and cohesion ahead of future international competitions. |
Summary
The performance of Lily Yohannes in the friendly match against China not only underscores her crucial role within the USWNT but also signifies her promising trajectory in women’s soccer. Coach Emma Hayes has expressed optimism about her development, and with each match, Yohannes continues to solidify her position on the team. As the soccer landscape evolves, both Yohannes and her teammates are poised to make significant contributions in the coming years as they gear up for major tournaments and challenges ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Who is Lily Yohannes?
Lily Yohannes is a 17-year-old midfielder for the U.S. Women’s National Team, recognized for her impressive skills and contributions to the team since her debut.
Question: What did coach Emma Hayes say about Yohannes’ performance?
Emma Hayes acknowledged Yohannes’s growth, stating that she showed maturity during the game and highlighted the strong chemistry with her teammates.
Question: How has Yohannes’s career progressed so far?
Yohannes has rapidly risen through the ranks, becoming the youngest player to start in several high-stakes matches, including in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and making impactful appearances for the USWNT.
