The USWNT wins in Hartford and continues to build the future

By Juan Carlos Maygua

Following the unexpected defeat in Philadelphia, the USWNT returned to action in Connecticut. Despite having both fixtures days apart, the team was expected to see changes or improvements this time around. This is not only because the team has the roster to get the result, but also because of the standards that manager Emma Hayes has set. Nevertheless, closing the international friendly fixtures with a win is always positive.

A bright future ahead

The fixtures against Portugal served a double purpose for the USWNT. First, to get back into rhythm, and second, to continue evaluating the progress of the new generation coming into the program. While not directly connected, the ceremonies held for legends like Alex Morgan and Alyssa Naeher marked the end of the USWNT’s most successful generation. However, the future is bright, and the national team is in good hands. Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Heaps, and Emily Sonnett have been taking on the leadership roles to guide the new generation of players coming into the team.

Rose Lavelle took matters into her own hands, scoring against Portugal within seconds of the start of the first match. Despite losing, the team dominated most of the game and left a good impression ahead of the match in Hartford. Manager Emma Hayes emphasized that these kinds of fixtures usually harm the winning team the most. They tend to focus on what worked, instead of fixing any wrongdoings. While the opposing side motivates itself and goes out with a point to prove.

Olivia Moultrie was the standout player against Portugal in Hartford. The Portland Thorns midfielder continues building her case as one of the most promising talents for years to come. Scoring the opening goal within 43 seconds nearly equalled Rose Lavelle’s opening goal timing. While Portugal did equalize, Moultrie was at the right place, at the right time, and scored once again within 9 minutes. The assist by Jaedyn Shaw might have taken most of the highlights, but the turnaround from the previous game was noticeable.

Jaedyn Shaw also had an outstanding game on the wings. Her speed and dribble abilities complicated things for the Portuguese defense. The Olympic gold medal winner was key in creating the attacking plays throughout the match. Had it not been for Portugal’s defensive awareness, the score would have been much higher. Sam Coffey sealed the match for the USWNT, coming from the bench. A slight touch to deflect a ball from a Corner Kick was enough to find the back of the net and secure the win.

If you combine the lineups from both games, the tactical alternatives can be interesting to watch. Imagine Rose Lavelle and Olivia Moultrie with a few more games alongside each other. Or how much more improvement one can see from players like Jordyn Bugg and Lily Yohannes, all with impactful projections for the immediate future. The sky is the limit for most of the players who are shaping the future of the current USWNT squad.

Manager Emma Hayes praised the commitment the squad has, despite their age, and how their understanding of concepts has helped her implement her playing style much quicker than expected. The learning curve continues for the team as they still have details to improve. But the result against Portugal sets the tone for what is yet to come for the USWNT program