The United States Women`s National Team`s two friendly matches in April didn`t unfold perfectly, but these 180 minutes are invaluable for the team`s long-term prospects. Despite a 2-1 defeat where the US conceded a late goal, coach Emma Hayes and the team are focused on future development. The coaching staff used these games to test familiar tactics and evaluate less experienced players in high-pressure situations, revealing areas needing improvement.
These matches are part of a broader evaluation process for Hayes as she prepares for the 2027 FIFA Women`s World Cup. Hayes has suggested the USWNT might travel to Brazil next year for enhanced team-building experiences leading up to the tournament, which the US will host. She emphasized that 2025 will prioritize player development and assessment over immediate wins.
`This camp has been very beneficial. We shouldn`t always judge progress solely by results,` Hayes stated. `If my only goal was immediate success, I wouldn`t make so many changes. However, my decisions are focused on long-term growth, expanding our player pool, and assessing players in challenging matches.`
Forward Trinity Rodman rejoined the USWNT camp in April, reuniting part of the `triple espresso` attack – the 2024 Olympic gold medal-winning trio with Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson. With the World Cup approaching and some players managing injuries, Hayes is actively exploring and broadening the player pool.
With experienced players like Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, and Rose Lavelle currently unavailable, numerous players have been rotating in and out of camps since 2025 began. As each camp progresses, the question is: which lesser-known players are seizing their opportunities?
Stock Up
These players have shown significant improvement since the January camps, earning more playing time and starts, and positively impacting games. They are strong contenders for future camps and potentially starting positions.
Alyssa Thompson (forward): Thompson is undeniably making a case to become a regular starter. Hayes believes the winger `has progressed significantly` and she has been involved in every camp in 2025. This is high praise for a player still early in her career.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (goalkeeper): Tullis-Joyce made a powerful statement in the first match against Brazil. A clean sheet and six crucial saves against a technically skilled team have elevated her status in the goalkeeper pool, where the starting role is still open.
Claire Hutton (midfielder): The Kansas City Current midfielder impressed in her start in the second match, winning the ball that led to the US goal. Despite the 4-2-3-1 formation suggesting a double pivot, the 19-year-old primarily functioned as a lone defensive midfielder in the No. 6 role, demonstrating composure throughout the game.
Stable
These players were part of the pool before January and have consistently received call-ups and playing time in 2025. They are considered core members of the current player pool that the coaching staff will rely on throughout the year, assuming they remain healthy.
Catarina Macario (forward): Macario, playing for Chelsea FC, has returned from an ACL injury and was initially named to the 2024 Olympic roster but withdrew due to knee soreness. She is now playing more consistently for both club and country and has scored in three of her four starts this year.
Ally Sentnor (forward): Sentnor was once considered a developmental player, but her impressive rookie season with Utah Royals in 2024 and her performance with the U20 World Cup team earned her call-ups to the senior team ahead of her `futures camp` debut in January. She has been included in camps as both an attacking midfielder and a forward and is expected to receive more call-ups this year.
Stock Down
Performances from these current players have raised questions about their place in the player pool, rather than solidifying their position within the senior team setup.
Mandy McGlynn (goalkeeper): McGlynn has only started three times for the national team, and her two appearances in 2025 have created more uncertainty than clarity. Conceding late goals in both matches highlights areas for improvement as the coaching staff seeks solutions at the goalkeeper position.
Jaedyn Shaw (midfielder): Hayes has emphasized that player evaluation over the next two years is crucial for roster development. Some younger players, like Shaw, might see reduced senior team minutes and be redirected to the relaunched U23 program. Shaw`s decreased playing time and slower start to this NWSL season could indicate that Hayes wants her to regain her confidence.
Tara McKeown (defender): McKeown has earned a significant level of trust from the coaching staff during her relatively short time with the USWNT. However, Brazil presented considerable challenges in attacking transitions, and McKeown experienced mixed moments. Despite injuries in the defensive line, she is likely to remain in consideration for future camps if her club form remains consistent.
Undefined
Alana Cook (defender) and Ashley Hatch (forward): These two players were included in the April roster, marking their first national team camp appearances since 2023. Their limited playing time in the two-game series suggests their position in the player pool remains unchanged – still on the fringes.
