The US women's national team's latest international games have provided valuable lessons on what works and what doesn't for this young squad. While there were flashes of brilliance from the youngsters who took to the field in the second match against Portugal, several areas remain a concern.
One notable aspect is the lack of chemistry among the players in certain positions, particularly in midfield where the more experienced players struggled to connect with their younger teammates. The team's physical dominance and scrappy determination were noticeably absent from the first match, making it clear that this new generation needs time to gel together. However, even allowing for the long period since the last camp, Hayes' approach to team selection must be reevaluated.
The defensive unit still has significant work to do in terms of cohesion and aerial ability, which proved to be a weakness throughout the three matches. The USWNT's inability to capitalize on high crosses and create quality scoring opportunities through the air was glaringly evident, with too many chances going unanswered. While timing may play a role in this aspect, it's essential that the team finds alternative routes to goal rather than relying on volume alone.
In contrast, the full-backs have shown promise by pushing up and providing width on the attack when they receive support from the center-back pairing and a strong stopper in front of them. However, the defensive performance left much to be desired, with the USWNT being fortunate to concede only once in two matches.
The team's goalkeeper situation remains a pressing concern, with Phallon Tullis-Joyce struggling in the first match despite impressive form for Manchester United. Claudia Dickey was solid in the other two games but faced significantly less pressure than her counterpart.
Ultimately, while the youngsters have shown promise, there is no excuse for continued poor performances from this team. With the 2027 World Cup looming closer, it's time for Hayes to build a roster that can compete at the highest level and make adjustments to the lineups as needed. The new generation of players needs to be allowed to shine in senior international play with adequate preparation and support, rather than being forced into situations where they are unlikely to succeed.
A strong center-back pairing, along with a reliable stopper and full-backs who can provide width on the attack, would greatly improve the team's overall defensive performance. Aerial ability is not just about height; improving this aspect will require more targeted efforts to create quality scoring opportunities through set pieces and crosses. The USWNT needs time, but that excuse must be exhausted soon if they hope to mount a serious challenge in the upcoming World Cup.
One notable aspect is the lack of chemistry among the players in certain positions, particularly in midfield where the more experienced players struggled to connect with their younger teammates. The team's physical dominance and scrappy determination were noticeably absent from the first match, making it clear that this new generation needs time to gel together. However, even allowing for the long period since the last camp, Hayes' approach to team selection must be reevaluated.
The defensive unit still has significant work to do in terms of cohesion and aerial ability, which proved to be a weakness throughout the three matches. The USWNT's inability to capitalize on high crosses and create quality scoring opportunities through the air was glaringly evident, with too many chances going unanswered. While timing may play a role in this aspect, it's essential that the team finds alternative routes to goal rather than relying on volume alone.
In contrast, the full-backs have shown promise by pushing up and providing width on the attack when they receive support from the center-back pairing and a strong stopper in front of them. However, the defensive performance left much to be desired, with the USWNT being fortunate to concede only once in two matches.
The team's goalkeeper situation remains a pressing concern, with Phallon Tullis-Joyce struggling in the first match despite impressive form for Manchester United. Claudia Dickey was solid in the other two games but faced significantly less pressure than her counterpart.
Ultimately, while the youngsters have shown promise, there is no excuse for continued poor performances from this team. With the 2027 World Cup looming closer, it's time for Hayes to build a roster that can compete at the highest level and make adjustments to the lineups as needed. The new generation of players needs to be allowed to shine in senior international play with adequate preparation and support, rather than being forced into situations where they are unlikely to succeed.
A strong center-back pairing, along with a reliable stopper and full-backs who can provide width on the attack, would greatly improve the team's overall defensive performance. Aerial ability is not just about height; improving this aspect will require more targeted efforts to create quality scoring opportunities through set pieces and crosses. The USWNT needs time, but that excuse must be exhausted soon if they hope to mount a serious challenge in the upcoming World Cup.
. They're showing flashes of brilliance, but like, what's going on with the midfield chemistry? It's like they're still trying out different lineups and stuff. I mean, we all know that Hayes' approach needs some tweaking, but 3 matches isn't a lot of time to figure it out, you feel? 
. They need to step up their game big time! Those full-backs are showing promise when they're supported by the rest of the team, but like, what's going on with the stopper? It feels like they're getting left high and dry sometimes 
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. Tullis-Joyce had a rough game in the first match, and while Dickey did alright in the other two games, it's just not good enough. The USWNT needs to find some consistency between goalies ASAP!
. We need to see some serious progress soon or else we're gonna get left behind in the competition!
). I mean, a strong center-back pairing is key - it's not just about throwing more bodies at the problem, but actually figuring out how to work together like a well-oiled machine (
). And those full-backs are looking promising, but only if they can figure out how to be solid defensively too 
. The goalie situation is just plain confusing - someone needs to step up and claim that spot (
). I'm not saying the team's got nothing to offer, but they do need to get it together pretty quickly if they wanna make a serious run at the World Cup in 2027 
So I'm watching these US women's matches and I gotta say, there are some big concerns about this team right now 
. And don't even get me started on the midfield chemistry – it's like they're all speaking different languages 
. I think Hayes needs to take a step back and rework her team selection strategy, 'cause right now, it's just not working 
. They need a strong center-back pairing, reliable stopper, and full-backs who can actually contribute on the attack 
. Anything less and they'll be struggling to make an impact in the World Cup 
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. We can't rely on one player to bail us out every time. The pressure's on coach Hayes to make some changes and adjustments, especially with the World Cup looming. I'm all for giving the young squad time to develop, but they need to be supported and prepared for success 
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With a strong center-back pairing, reliable stopper, and full-backs who can provide width on the attack, I think this team could be unstoppable - but that's going to take time, patience, and some serious fine-tuning 
, they need to focus on developing their squad before thinking about major tournaments. it's not just about throwing a bunch of young players together and expecting them to magic 
. they need to work on their chemistry, defensive cohesion, and aerial ability if they wanna compete with the best teams in the world 
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they were so physical & dominant like they used to b but there were some big gaps in their defense 
also wut happened to phallon tullis-joyce?? she looked really shaky in the first match 
but we need to see more consistency from them. 
️. They gotta work on their timing and coordination, 'specially with those high crosses 
. Time for Hayes to get his act together and give these youngins some serious game time 
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and work on creating those quality scoring opportunities through the air - it's just too easy for opponents to shut them down 
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. Hayes' selection approach needs a rethink, can't just rely on youth alone 
You gotta feel for these young players trying to navigate their positions and find chemistry with older teammates who've been around the block, but at the same time, you wish they'd be allowed to shine in senior play without being forced into situations that might not suit them. It's all about striking a balance between development and high-stakes competition...
. But come on, how many times can you have games where nothing goes through for the team and then ask yourself if these players are really ready for that stage?