Historically, when Hayes plays an opponent twice, she switches up the starting XI – expect more of the same against Ireland
The U.S. women's national team opened their three-match summer journey with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night in Colorado. With high altitude and a packed house, the USWNT continued their undefeated streak against Ireland, having now outscored them 55-1 in 16 meetings.
Emma Hayes' side will play Ireland once more in this three-match window, however this time the game will be played Sunday in Rose Lavelle's hometown of Cincinnati. The USWNT will then play Canada on Wednesday.
The USWNT have just two days to recover in between games, and – after a strong showing that included a first-ever international goal from Houston Dash defender Avery Patterson, a first cap in goal from Seattle Reign's Claudia Dickey, plus a senior team debut and assist out of Gotham FC's Lilly Reale – there were many positives on which to build.
Historically, when Hayes plays an opponent twice, she switches up the starting XI pretty drastically. She did that against Brazil – for better or for worse, as the U.S. lost the second match – earlier this year, but it is all part of her plan to get the best picture of the player pool leading up into the 2027 World Cup.
On Thursday, the USWNT clearly showed they can dominate Ireland, even without the superpower of Lindsey Heaps in the midfield, and the attacking force of Sophia Wilson, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman.
Hayes will likely experiment with some new faces in the midfield, backline and attack, as she has the luxury of a fruitful roster of the NWSL's best players. It's a toss up whether or not she gives Dickey another opportunity in goal, as Thursday's match was her debut – and she didn't even record one save. No fault to Dickey, as Ireland had very few chances in the final-third.
GOAL takes a look at five keys as the USWNT play the second of two friendlies against Ireland.
Getty ImagesKeeper shake-up?
Dickey earned her cap and, having little-to-no action in goal, earned the clean sheet. In this camp, all three goalkeepers – Mandy McGlynn, Dickey and Angelina Anderson – earned their first call-ups this year.
McGlynn has the most caps, with three. Will Hayes shake up the keeper position on Sunday? It's possible. Ireland won't pose a massive threat to whoever is in goal, so will Hayes even be able see much from the keeper?
She is really keen on a keeper with good footwork. Hayes wants to make sure that the goalkeeper can add to the build up, distribute the ball, and play quickly with her feet. Dickey was able to get some reps on that front on Thursday, and made some strong passes and very few errors.
The Americans have kept clean sheets in 13 consecutive meetings with Ireland, the longest run of shutouts against one team in the program's history. Will that continue on Sunday?
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMore minutes for Lavelle?
Rose Lavelle made her return to the USWNT and did so in the most fashion, scoring and chipping in an assist in her first game back since December. Lavelle managed to play 60 minutes for Hayes' side, and brought a newfound energy to the midfield.
Her ability to move off of playmakers such as Sam Coffey and Claire Hutton was profound, plus she plays high up the field which just adds another dimension to the attacking line.
Since the USWNT are playing in Lavelle's backyard, chances are we'll see more minutes from her. Lavelle's performance – which included a goal in the 53rd minute – made her the 19th player in USWNT history with 25-plus goals and 25-plus assists.
Lavelle's energy and personality were clearly missed both on the field and off, and before Thursday's game, Lavelle's new teammate, Michelle Cooper, spoke about how excited she was to get to finally play alongside her, and not against her.
"I'm excited to build a connection there," Cooper said. "On the field, but off the field, too. She's a great person and I'm just really excited to see her energy and her personality translate on the field and in the locker room."
Getty ImagesThe No .9 experimentation
With Wilson out of the lineup, Hayes has been experimenting with others in that No. 9. So far, she's had Catarina Macario, Lynn Biyendolo, Lo'eau LaBonta and, most recently Ally Sentnor take a stab at it.
It's a tricky position, because most of the game your back is to the goal, but you're expected to score – or be in a scoring position. Hayes tried Sentnor out there, say she naturally has a nose for scoring. The U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year does have four goals already for the senior team.
While Sentnor did manage to chip in an assist on Thursday, she struggled to hold the ball up for the USWNT, something Macario has certainly improved on over time. Sentnor offered a very dynamic, interchangeable No. 9, which was fun to watch, but not necessarily conventional.
On Sunday, it would be nice to see Sentnor again slotted in as the No. 9, but it could also be Tara Mckeown in that role. Pretty unlikely, but an entertaining scenario nonetheless.
Getty ImagesMore debuts
During Hayes' leadership, she has given 27 players their first USWNT call-ups. On Thursday, Hayes gave two players their first caps and starts – defender Lilly Reale and Dickey – while 18-year-old center-back Jordyn Bugg also came into the game in the second half, becoming the 280th player in the USWNT history to earn a cap.
Blending experience with and youth, Hayes will probably mix in Izzy Rodriguez and Sam Meza, to give more newcomers their first caps. Rodriguez is a defender, while Meza is a midfielder, so Hayes may see how they do in the rotation.
Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson did not dress on Thursday, so she's another question mark in the starting XI for Hayes. Anderson hasn't earned a cap for the USWNT as of yet, and against a team like Ireland, this could be a way in to get experience without a ton of pressure.