The U.S. women’s national soccer team (USWNT) concluded its January window with a decisive 5-0 victory over Chile in Santa Barbara, California. This match not only showcased the emerging talent within the squad but also marked a pivotal moment as head coach Emma Hayes transitions from an experimental phase to solidifying the team’s core ahead of future competitions.
In a night filled with debut performances, 24-year-old Croix Bethune set the tone by scoring her first international goal just 18 minutes into the match, capitalizing on a through ball from Ayo Oke. Bethune’s impressive maneuver past the Chilean goalkeeper highlighted her potential as a key player for the team. Oke, making her international debut, also earned her first assist, contributing significantly to the team’s performance.
The scoring continued with Jameese Joseph, who netted her inaugural goal for the USWNT shortly after, followed by first-time captain Emily Sams, who also marked her name on the score sheet. In the second half, goals from Emma Sears and Trinity Rodman sealed the emphatic victory, closing the January window on a high note.
Hayes described this window as an essential period for identifying the key players needed for the 2027 World Cup qualification. “This camp has given us the reference points to be able to say those are the things we need to add to go to the next level,” she stated. The focus on development was evident, with the average number of caps per player in the starting XI being just 5.2, one of the least experienced line-ups the USWNT has fielded in 25 years.
The challenge of assembling a full squad was amplified as many regular players were unavailable due to club commitments outside of the FIFA window. This limitation allowed Hayes to experiment with a roster primarily composed of players from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), excluding members of Gotham FC, who were competing in London for the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Looking ahead, Hayes plans to field a more representative team during the SheBelieves Cup in March and a series of friendlies against Japan in April. She noted that between six to eight players from this window could potentially earn a spot in the core group for upcoming qualifiers.
The two-match window against Chile and Paraguay featured seven different scorers and provided a platform for players to showcase their abilities. Hayes emphasized the importance of equal opportunity on the pitch. Players such as Bethune, Joseph, and Sams stood out, while Oke’s performance, stepping in as a replacement for Avery Patterson, proved instrumental in the team’s success.
“It’s been the best camp I’ve seen from Croix in terms of her approach, her application,” Hayes remarked, praising Bethune’s quickness and creativity. Bethune, who recently earned the title of 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Year, displayed her scoring hunger after nearly scoring in the previous match against Paraguay, where she assisted Sears.
Sears, who led American scoring in the NWSL last year, demonstrated her strength and scoring ability by netting a goal within the first minute of the second half. Alongside Rodman, who made a triumphant return to the international scene, these players reminded fans of their capabilities, with Rodman scoring shortly after entering the match as a substitute.
Hayes also underscored the dual purpose of this experimental window: assessing player potential for both the 2027 World Cup and future tournaments, including the 2028 Olympics and the 2031 World Cup. “It’s doing two or three things all at once, but that’s what development is,” she explained.
As this window closes, it signifies a turning point for the USWNT under Hayes. Since taking the helm in 2024, she has cultivated a robust development pathway from the under-23 level to the senior team. During this window, less experienced players such as Maddie Dahlien, Riley Jackson, and 19-year-old Jordyn Bugg demonstrated their readiness to integrate into the senior squad.
Hayes expressed confidence in this approach, stating, “You understand the way we want to play, because U23 head coach Heather Dyche and her team are doing some of that groundwork so it’s seamless to transition.” The groundwork laid in this experimental phase appears to be paying dividends as the USWNT prepares for the challenges ahead.
