The U.S. Women`s National Team concludes its summer friendlies with an anticipated match on Wednesday. Following two decisive 4-0 victories against Ireland, the team faces long-standing Concacaf rivals Canada. While the eight goals were encouraging, Canada presents a different challenge for the younger USWNT squad, eager to make their mark on the coaching staff as the stakes rise compared to the first half of the year.
This will be the 67th encounter between the nations. The match`s significance extends beyond the lineup, highlighting how recent debuts and player breakthroughs have reshaped the USWNT`s core player pool moving forward. After facing Canada, the team next convenes for fall international windows, approximately 13 months before the November 2026 Concacaf W Championship, which serves as regional World Cup qualifiers.
Many players aim to prove they belong in the team`s plans for the 2027-28 cycle. Let`s look at who is trending upward and might need this final test against Canada to solidify their place in the squad.
Why the Expanded Roster?
Significant generational turnover has reshaped the USWNT, marked by numerous retirements over the past two years. New head coach Emma Hayes and her staff have embraced this moment by completely rebuilding the team, aiming for a stronger unit after the historic 2023 World Cup exit. While a 2024 Olympic gold medal restored the USWNT to the top rankings, 2025 has focused on expanding and experimenting with the player pool, partly due to many gold medalists being unavailable for the last six months.
The attacking trio known as `Triple Espresso` (Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman) has been largely absent in 2025. Rodman participated in camps against Brazil but is now sidelined by a lingering back injury with no return timeline. Smith and Swanson are on maternity leave and aren`t expected back this year. Defender Naomi Girma and midfielder Rose Lavelle, core players, returned to the roster in May and June, respectively.
What`s on the Line?
With several regular players unavailable, numerous new faces have joined the team. While two comfortable wins against an injured Ireland provided game time, a more significant challenge is needed. Canada, known for their physical, resilient, and experienced players, offers the perfect stress test.
Emma Hayes has been open about her plan to narrow the expanded player pool to a core group after the summer window. This is part of the coaching staff`s long-term plan building towards the 2027-28 cycle. Some players have only been part of the senior national team program for six months, while others joined last fall.
Key Players to Watch vs. Canada
Ultimately, players are competing for depth positions – roles beyond the ideal starting eleven. Canada provides an optimal test for those vying for these spots.
Here are five players we hope to see start against Canada on Wednesday:
Avery Patterson: This outside back has impressed in her five USWNT appearances. Her performance against China in May showed improvement from her April debut against Brazil, and she scored her first national team goal starting against Ireland. While Hayes praised her progress and coachability, she also noted Patterson needs defensive challenges – which Canada will provide.
Michelle Cooper: The winger has maximized her opportunities and attended most national team camps this year. Her distinctive, fearless attacking style, sometimes described metaphorically, targets opposing defenses aggressively. While it might appear reckless to some, with more game time, this energy could be exactly what the team needs.
Yazmeen Ryan: Another forward option offering crafty wing play. Her club move to Houston Dash hasn`t gone smoothly due to a lingering injury. She scored her first national team goal against Ireland on Thursday and has been part of USWNT camps since last fall.
Mandy McGlynn: Phallon Tulis-Joyce is the only goalkeeper who received consecutive starts in 2025. Facing Canada, the highest-ranked opponent this window, McGlynn might get a start. She is the most capped goalkeeper on the roster with five starts. However, her performances against top teams like Brazil showed areas for improvement. A game against Canada will be an excellent test of her development.
Giselle Thompson: The fullback is having a strong club season with Angel City FC alongside her sister Alyssa Thompson. Her solid defensive performances led the coaching staff to want to evaluate her attacking contributions more. She was called up as part of the forward group earlier this month but was sidelined by injury. Now back in action, she has a chance to challenge a tough opponent.
