US Women's National Team Review: New Generation Shows Promise, but Chemistry and Aerial Ability Concerns Remain
The US women's national team has been playing catch-up since their last match three months ago, and despite a promising showing against Portugal in the rematch, several concerns remain. The youthful lineup, which included 18-year-olds Jaedyn Shaw and Claire Hutton, looked like the future of American soccer, but inconsistencies on both ends of the field continue to plague the team.
In contrast to their performance in the first game, where they were outclassed by Portugal, the young starters showed a more traditional mentality in the second match. The midfield trio of Lily Yohannes, Hutton, and Shaw was particularly impressive, with each player having memorable plays that highlighted their skills. However, the team's overall defensive performance was still lacking, and they were fortunate to get away with conceding only one goal.
The absence of injured central defender Naomi Girma was felt throughout both matches, as Portugal's high press exposed disorganized defensive units. Hayes has stated that once Girma builds up more club playing time, she'll be called in for national team duty, and her return will bring a desperately needed steadiness to the backline.
The ongoing question of who will start between goalkeepers Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Claudia Dickey still remains unresolved. While Tullis-Joyce is in stunning form for Manchester United, she looked shaky in the first match despite making several impressive saves. The team needs a goalkeeper with leadership qualities to complement their young talent.
Aerial ability has proven to be an Achilles' heel for the USWNT, as all three of Portugal's goals came from high crosses. The team struggled to get quality balls through the air, and many crosses went unanswered. Hayes acknowledged that aerial prowess has more to do with timing than height, suggesting that future efforts will focus on improving this aspect.
Despite these concerns, it's clear that a new generation is ready to push for spots on the team. The youngsters' excellent showing in the second game was a promising sign, and Hayes should begin building her lineups around them. However, she must also find ways to mesh their chemistry without relying too heavily on older players.
The 2027 World Cup looms closer, and it's time for the USWNT to start shaping its roster for success. With a mix of youth and experience, this team has the potential to be a force to be reckoned with. It just needs to find its rhythm and develop the skills necessary to overcome their weaknesses.
The US women's national team has been playing catch-up since their last match three months ago, and despite a promising showing against Portugal in the rematch, several concerns remain. The youthful lineup, which included 18-year-olds Jaedyn Shaw and Claire Hutton, looked like the future of American soccer, but inconsistencies on both ends of the field continue to plague the team.
In contrast to their performance in the first game, where they were outclassed by Portugal, the young starters showed a more traditional mentality in the second match. The midfield trio of Lily Yohannes, Hutton, and Shaw was particularly impressive, with each player having memorable plays that highlighted their skills. However, the team's overall defensive performance was still lacking, and they were fortunate to get away with conceding only one goal.
The absence of injured central defender Naomi Girma was felt throughout both matches, as Portugal's high press exposed disorganized defensive units. Hayes has stated that once Girma builds up more club playing time, she'll be called in for national team duty, and her return will bring a desperately needed steadiness to the backline.
The ongoing question of who will start between goalkeepers Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Claudia Dickey still remains unresolved. While Tullis-Joyce is in stunning form for Manchester United, she looked shaky in the first match despite making several impressive saves. The team needs a goalkeeper with leadership qualities to complement their young talent.
Aerial ability has proven to be an Achilles' heel for the USWNT, as all three of Portugal's goals came from high crosses. The team struggled to get quality balls through the air, and many crosses went unanswered. Hayes acknowledged that aerial prowess has more to do with timing than height, suggesting that future efforts will focus on improving this aspect.
Despite these concerns, it's clear that a new generation is ready to push for spots on the team. The youngsters' excellent showing in the second game was a promising sign, and Hayes should begin building her lineups around them. However, she must also find ways to mesh their chemistry without relying too heavily on older players.
The 2027 World Cup looms closer, and it's time for the USWNT to start shaping its roster for success. With a mix of youth and experience, this team has the potential to be a force to be reckoned with. It just needs to find its rhythm and develop the skills necessary to overcome their weaknesses.
, gotta think chemistry is key here, can't have them relying too much on older players, but at the same time, gotta have some stability in the backline with girma coming back, fingers crossed she brings that steadiness 
I'm so hyped about the USWNT's new gen! 
They showed some serious promise in that second match against Portugal 
, but yeah, we gotta work on that chemistry thing 
. It's like they're not quite clicking yet, you know? 
But with a bit more practice and meshing together, I think they'll be UNSTOPPABLE 
! And omg, aerial ability is SO important in soccer 
... I'm hoping Hayes focuses on that next. 
can someone explain how aerial ability comes into play in soccer? like why does it matter if you're good at headers or not? 
and omg did you see the 18 year old girl on the team? jaedyn shaw is her name rite? i need to look her up 
.
and another thing, aerial ability is so overrated 
, but they need to learn how to work together as a team before the 2027 World Cup 
. let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet 
we need more teams like them in the fifa, not just the usa 
i mean who needs height when you can just time it right? 
️
2027 world cup cant come soon enough for me!
