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Two games down, one to go. The U.S. women’s national team’s post-Olympic victory tour lands in Louisville on Wednesday for one more friendly. Having twice defeated Iceland by identical 3-1 scorelines, the USWNT will meet Argentina to close out October, with Emma Hayes still unbeaten in 12 matches as coach.
Despite much of this camp being used to honor this summer’s Olympic gold medal triumph, it seems as if Hayes and the U.S. have already moved on. In two matches over the past week, the lineups and strategy have been defined by new stars breaking in, not just the familiar ones that reached the mountaintop in Paris.
On Wednesday, more of those new faces will get opportunities to prove themselves as the ongoing generational shift moves forward. Of course, some familiar faces will be in play, too, as they look to keep things moving on the road to the 2027 World Cup.
With a third match in a week, and Hayes promising rotation among the players, how will the USWNT line up? What will Hayes be looking for? And what can the USWNT still accomplish in this camp? GOAL takes a look at what to watch for as the USWNT play Argentina.
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IMAGNSecond impressions
Aside from Lynn Williams stealing the show, Sunday’s win over Iceland felt it was about the debutants. Emma Sears and Emily Sams made huge impressions in their first games, offering instant proof that they could very well have a place in this team going forward.
Sears, Sams and Hal Hershfelt have all made their USWNT debuts this camp, and each could have a part to play in this third and final friendly. So, too, could Yazmeen Ryan, although the fact that she’s played in both games so far indicates she’s less likely to feature than the other three debutants from this camp so far.
Right now, Hayes is working to introduce new players to the fold and, with plenty of evidence that it’s working. Sears scored and assisted on her debut while Sams put in an incredible defensive shift to instantly put her name among the centerbacks. How will they follow up those performances? How can a player such as Hershfelt, an alternate during the Olympics, push the current group of midfielders if she gets a start? It’s one of the more intriguing storylines to watch.
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USA TODAY SportsThe debuts keep coming
There still are some uncapped players on the roster – will they get their chance against Argentina?
Both Eva Gaetino and Alyssa Malonson were scratched for the last game, leaving both still in search of their debuts. Gaetino has been in camp before, having been called up earlier this year, but this is her first crack at a potential appearance. Malonson, meanwhile, is a newcomer who, at 25, has earned this chance with her play in the NWSL.
Goalkeeper Mandy Haught is another uncapped player left in the squad, although the presence of Casey Murphy and Alyssa Naeher makes her an unlikely starter. There’s nothing better than seeing a player realize their dreams. Will we see more that on Wednesday?
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Getty ImagesAnother shot for Moultrie
Olivia Moultrie is one of the players in the team that looks destined to be a difference-maker. It’s seemed that way since she was 13 years old and now Moultrie is on the cusp of a USWNT breakout.
She provided glimpses earlier this year, scoring twice against the Dominican Republic in the Gold Cup. On Sunday against Iceland, though, Moultrie’s game didn’t quite shine. She wasn’t really able to impact the game, which is something she has the potential to do at the highest of levels.
It’s hard to remember that Moultrie is still just 19 and, considering that, she’s way ahead of schedule. She’s already a veteran. That is what happens when you break through so young.
The USWNT will give Moultrie grace and time as she pushes on for a role, and it seems inevitable that she seizes one. Perhaps we’ll look back at this match against Argentina as one that kickstarted her USWNT ascendency.
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Getty ImagesRecognizing Rose
On Wednesday, the USWNT will honor another one of its stars. Mal Swanson, Emily Sonnett and Kelly O’Hara have been acknowledged for their achievements in this camp, and now it’s Rose Lavelle’s turn.
The midfielder hit her 100th cap on June 4 and will be honored pregame for reaching that illustrious mark. She’s one of five players in the squad to have hit the century mark of appearances, having been joined by Sonnett just this camp.
When healthy, Lavelle is a game-changing midfielder, one can do so many things that so few others can. At 29, she still has so much to offer the USWNT, despite already having a World Cup and a Gold Medal on her resume. There’s more to come from Lavelle, but it’ll be nice to see her achievements recognized before she takes the field for another opportunity to run the show.
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Getty ImagesSophia Smith unleashed?
She already scored one stunning goal this camp: a ridiculous long-range finish in the first game of the window. Sophia Smith played just 42 minutes across the first two friendlies, which could mean her real run out will come this game.
Does Hayes need to learn anything more about Smith? Probably not. She’s a leader, a scorer, and a key figurehead in the now-famous Triple Espresso lineup with Swanson and Trinity Rodman. She’s one of the best forwards in the world. She just finished fourth overall in the Women’s Ballon d’Or 2024 official rankings, ahead of USWNT teammates Lindsey Horan (fifth), Swanson (sixth) and Rodman (ninth). And she’s still getting better.
That last part is key. Just 24, Smith is still a rising star, not yet a complete one. Because of that, it’s still important for her to get reps, to play games and to learn lessons. Because of that, it makes sense to finally unleash her in this game, which could lead to a few more goals to close out this camp on a high note.
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