U.S. Women’s National Team Prepares for Second Friendly Against Ireland

Emma Hayes Continues to Test Team Depth

Fans of the U.S. women’s national soccer team can anticipate further roster changes as head coach Emma Hayes prepares her squad for a rematch against Ireland this weekend in Cincinnati. Following a decisive 4-0 victory on Thursday, Hayes is committed to exploring the depth of her player pool during this three-game week.

Focus on Progress and Adaptation

In a recent media session, Hayes emphasized her focus on "progress, always." She noted that facing the same opponent twice in such a short span offers a unique opportunity to assess how quickly her team can adapt. "When an opponent makes adaptations, how are you going to look to exploit that?" she asked, highlighting the importance of tactical details in their upcoming match.

Roster Changes and New Faces

Since taking the helm last year, Hayes has introduced 21 players to the senior team, showcasing her commitment to developing new talent. The match against Ireland saw the return of midfielder Rose Lavelle, who made a significant impact by scoring a goal and providing an assist. Additionally, three players made their debuts, including goalkeeper Claudia Dickey and left back Lilly Reale.

The current roster features three uncapped players: Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson, Seattle Reign midfielder Sam Meza, and Kansas City Current defender Izzy Rodriguez. Notably, the team is without several veteran stars, as Hayes opted to give European-based players a much-needed summer break in preparation for future competitions, including the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Lavelle’s Homecoming and Cautious Management

Sunday’s match also marks a homecoming for Lavelle, a Cincinnati native who has been sidelined for six months due to ankle surgery. Hayes acknowledged Lavelle’s explosive return but emphasized the need for careful management of her playing time. In the previous match, Lavelle was substituted in the 59th minute, and Hayes plans to continue monitoring her workload closely.

"We’re delighted to have her back," Hayes stated, reflecting on Lavelle’s contributions and the team’s overall structure that has allowed her game to flourish.

As the U.S. women’s national team gears up for their second friendly against Ireland, fans can expect an exciting display of talent and strategy, setting the stage for their upcoming clash with Canada in Washington, D.C.

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This article originally appeared in The Athletic.