In a strategic move to expand the player pool ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, U.S. national team head coach Emma Hayes has announced a 24-player roster that reflects her commitment to evaluating emerging talents. The upcoming matches against China and Jamaica will provide a platform for both familiar and new faces, including players who have shown exceptional performance at the club level. The USWNT will kick off the international window on May 31 and conclude the two-game series on June 3, offering a vital opportunity for player evaluation and development.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) New Faces in the Lineup |
| 2) Goalkeeping Concerns |
| 3) Key Player Recoveries |
| 4) Strategic Experimentation |
| 5) Ongoing Player Development |
New Faces in the Lineup
The recently announced roster includes a fresh wave of talent, with Kerry Abello and Lo’eau LaBonta earning their first call-ups to the senior national team. Both players have demonstrated exceptional skill in their performances during the NWSL season, with Abello playing for the Orlando Pride, who previously won the NWSL Championship, and LaBonta excelling with the Kansas City Current, currently leading the league standings. This call-up marks an important opportunity for them to showcase their abilities on an international stage.
The inclusion of Abello, a defender, and LaBonta, a midfielder, symbolizes the commitment of Hayes to utilize the build-up to the 2027 Women’s World Cup as a crucial evaluation period. During a recent press conference, Hayes praised Abello, stating,
“She’s deserving of the call-up. She’s been consistent in everything that she has done. She’s a super player.”
This sentiment illustrates Hayes’ focus on recognizing talent that can contribute to the team’s future success.
Goalkeeping Concerns
The goalkeeper position remains a significant focus for Hayes as the USWNT looks to fortify its squad. Claudia Dickey has returned to the national team, bringing with her the possibility of earning her first start as the primary goalkeeper. Hayes noted that Dickey has been the standout performer in the NWSL this season, stating,
“The data don’t lie — Claudia Dickey’s probably the best performing goalkeeper in the NWSL this season.”
The emphasis on data-driven performance highlights the coaching staff’s commitment to making informed decisions regarding player selection.
The challenge of developing a robust pool of goalkeepers has been evident, as none of the goalkeepers in the camp have accrued significant caps. Hayes acknowledges this gap, stating,
“I’ve inherited that challenge. I didn’t make that challenge, so you’ve had a goalkeeper in Alyssa Naeher that played a lot of minutes and no one else played a lot of minutes.”
With the alarming lack of experience, Hayes aims to identify and consolidate the best goalkeeping options for upcoming competitions.
Key Player Recoveries
Alongside the new call-ups, the roster also features returning players who are crucial to the national team’s performance. Naomi Girma, the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, makes her return after recovering from a calf injury. Her presence is expected to strengthen the backline, given her proven capabilities.
Another noteworthy return is Lynn Biyendolo, who missed the April friendlies against Brazil due to a lower leg injury. With her back in form and actively starting for Seattle Reign FC, Biyendolo’s experience will be valuable in upcoming matches. Moreover, Olivia Moultrie is rejoining the squad for the first time in over a year, having last participated in the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup.
Strategic Experimentation
Hayes is utilizing this roster to experiment with player positions and formations. Notably, Gisele Thompson has been shifted to a forward position as the coaching staff assesses her potential as a winger. This adaptability in positioning reflects a tactical approach designed to maximize the strengths of individual players while preparing them for various competitive scenarios.
Hayes’ era of experimentation aligns with her larger vision for the team, which includes a significant transition period following the 2024 Olympic Games. She is careful to ensure the balance of experience and youth, capitalizing on the opportunity to provide rising talents with valuable international experience leading to the 2027 World Cup.
Ongoing Player Development
The coaching staff’s focus on developing young talents is evident as they plan for upcoming youth fixtures in Germany. The U-23 team will travel for matches that offer pivotal experiences for younger players. This includes noteworthy talents like Jaedyn Shaw, Korbin Albert, and Mia Fishel, who are expected to showcase their skills on an international platform.
Hayes explained that this commitment to youth development is essential to creating a seamless transition into the senior level:
“Yes, [Fishel] could come in and sit on the bench for us, but it’s much better for her to go and play in Germany.”
With a clear strategy in place, the USWNT is focused on ensuring that a new generation of players is prepared to compete at the highest level.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | The USWNT’s roster features new call-ups, including Kerry Abello and Lo’eau LaBonta, highlighting a focus on talent evaluation. |
| 2 | Goalkeeping remains a critical concern, with Claudia Dickey leading the NWSL in performance metrics. |
| 3 | Several key players are making returns, including Naomi Girma and Lynn Biyendolo, enhancing the team’s depth. |
| 4 | The coaching staff is experimenting with positions and formations to optimize team performance. |
| 5 | Ongoing youth development is a priority, with upcoming U-23 matches aimed at preparing future talent. |
Summary
The recent announcement of the USWNT’s roster under coach Emma Hayes signifies a deliberate shift toward evaluating emerging talents as the team prepares for major international competitions. With a blend of fresh call-ups, returning players, and a focus on experimentation and development, Hayes is laying the groundwork for a robust pipeline that aims to meet the challenges of the 2027 Women’s World Cup and beyond. As the team embarks on this crucial phase, the combination of strategic insights and talent assessment will play a pivotal role in shaping the USWNT’s competitive future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Who is included in the new USWNT roster?
The new USWNT roster includes players like Kerry Abello and Lo’eau LaBonta, who are making their first appearances in national team camps, along with returning players such as Naomi Girma and Lynn Biyendolo.
Question: What is the focus of coach Emma Hayes regarding player development?
Coach Emma Hayes is focused on expanding the player pool by integrating emerging talents and ensuring a continuous development pathway, particularly for goalkeepers ahead of future competitions.
Question: Why is the goalkeeper position a concern for the USWNT?
The goalkeeper position is concerning as none of the players in the current camp have significant experience, with most holding fewer than three caps. This lack of experience poses challenges as the team prepares for high-stakes international tournaments.
