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The Guardian
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Emma Hayes' USWNT revolution gathers pace in dominant summer window
The US women's national team have just wrapped up another successful window in an experimental year. After beating Ireland 4–0 in back-to-back friendlies, they defeated an experienced Canada side 3–0 in Washington, bringing their 2025 record to 8-0-2 while continuing to field youthful lineups full of emerging talent. Emma Hayes' return to Audi Field came nearly one year to the day since they drew 0–0 with Costa Rica in their final tune-up before going on to win Olympic gold in Paris. Since then, the four-time world champions have turned their focus to the 2027 World Cup. Hayes has worked diligently to build the depth and cohesion needed to challenge for the title. As of this window, Hayes has capped 24 new players during her tenure and started 36 different players in 2025 alone. With European-based players rested (with the exception of Naomi Girma), and key Olympic contributors absent due to pregnancy or injury, Hayes continued to hand out valuable experience. Here are the biggest winners and losers from this summer's international window. Sam Coffey Coffey made her 38th appearance against Canada and, while she's no newcomer, few players have cemented their importance to the team quite like her. After the win, Hayes noted Coffey was 'in the form of her life' and praised her drive to improve. Speaking to the media, Coffey said she would have preferred at least one more goal to 'really seal it'. Hayes on her mentality: 'She is always, always wanting to improve her game. It never ends. It's never enough. She'd sit and watch film permanently if she could.' After scoring in Wednesday's victory, the Portland Thorns defensive midfielder now has three goals in five matches – level with Cat Macario and just behind forwards Lynn Biyendolo and Ally Sentnor among the team's top scorers. Claire Hutton Speaking of defensive midfielders scoring goals: Hutton rose to head home Rose Lavelle's perfectly placed corner in the 36th minute, notching her first goal for the US in just her sixth appearance. The 19-year-old has shown clear progress, translating her strong form with the first-place Kansas City Current to the international stage. Slotting in near-seamlessly alongside Coffey, Hutton has offered glimpses of a dynamic midfield partnership for the future. Rose Lavelle Lavelle returned to the USWNT for the first time in 2025 during this window and wasted no time reminding everyone of her quality. Starting the first and third matches, she was as deft and creative as ever in midfield. Lavelle scored and assisted against Ireland in her first game back, nearly scored off the bench in the second and was arguably the best player on the pitch against Canada. Hayes said: 'She's unique in the world game. There aren't many players like Rose Lavelle, and I genuinely think there is another level for her to reach with our team.' Avery Patterson and Lilly Reale Beyond Arsenal's Emily Fox, the full-back spots remain among the most contested in Hayes' squad. Twenty-one-year-old Gotham left-back Lilly Reale and 23-year-old Houston Dash right-back Avery Patterson – both converted full-backs with versatility – each earned two starts this window and made a strong case for long-term inclusion. Reale, making just her second senior appearance against Canada, limited the influence of veterans such as Janine Beckie while combining well with Alyssa Thompson down the flank. Hayes on Reale: 'I think Lilly Reale is showing steady progression. It's great to have a left-footer as an option on that side. She's strong defensively, tough to get behind.' Patterson, in her sixth cap, helped contain players like Ashley Lawrence and also provided a threat going forward, scoring in her first start of the window and providing an assist against Canada. Hayes said of the pair: 'I think they're at a similar level. Avery's better going forward; Lilly's better going backwards naturally. But they're both fast learners, and they're both adaptable.' Alyssa Thompson A word here for Thompson, whose pace and skill on the left wing made an impact in every match she played. The 20-year-old Angel City winger showed moments of individual brilliance, scoring her second international goal against Ireland in Colorado and adding a third in the next match off the bench. Though she didn't score against Canada, she remained a constant threat – her positioning and energy keeping her firmly in the mix amid a crowded field of elite forwards. Jane Campbell and Casey Murphy Another unsettled position in Hayes' squad is goalkeeper, which has been vacant since Alyssa Naeher's retirement. Manchester United's Phallon Tullis-Joyce has emerged as a likely No 1, following a clean-sheet debut against Brazil in April. With Tullis-Joyce resting alongside other European-based players, Hayes rotated her depth options this window and found promise in Seattle Reign's Claudia Dickey and Utah Royals' Mandy McGlynn. Dickey started the first and third matches and made several solid stops against Canada, including a late save. McGlynn featured in the second game and held her own, though Ireland didn't offer many tests. Meanwhile, Campbell and Murphy may now need exceptional league performances to claw their way back into the conversation. The doubters Hayes has been measured in her assessments, methodical in her team-building, and realistic about the road ahead. After beating Canada 3–0, she stressed that the team 'hasn't done anything yet'. That's true, but over the past year, confidence and experience have spread across a broader pool of talent. There's still work to be done, but Wednesday's dominant performance was a compelling reminder that this is a team quietly assembling the tools required to contend for the World Cup.
The Guardian
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Emma Hayes' USWNT revolution gathers pace in dominant summer window
The US women's national team have just wrapped up another successful window in an experimental year. After beating Ireland 4–0 in back-to-back friendlies, they defeated an experienced Canada side 3–0 in Washington, bringing their 2025 record to 8-0-2 while continuing to field youthful lineups full of emerging talent. Emma Hayes' return to Audi Field came nearly one year to the day since they drew 0–0 with Costa Rica in their final tune-up before going on to win Olympic gold in Paris. Since then, the four-time world champions have turned their focus to the 2027 World Cup. Hayes has worked diligently to build the depth and cohesion needed to challenge for the title. As of this window, Hayes has capped 24 new players during her tenure and started 36 different players in 2025 alone. With European-based players rested (with the exception of Naomi Girma), and key Olympic contributors absent due to pregnancy or injury, Hayes continued to hand out valuable experience. Here are the biggest winners and losers from this summer's international window. Sam Coffey Coffey made her 38th appearance against Canada and, while she's no newcomer, few players have cemented their importance to the team quite like her. After the win, Hayes noted Coffey was 'in the form of her life' and praised her drive to improve. Speaking to the media, Coffey said she would have preferred at least one more goal to 'really seal it'. Hayes on her mentality: 'She is always, always wanting to improve her game. It never ends. It's never enough. She'd sit and watch film permanently if she could.' After scoring in Wednesday's victory, the Portland Thorns defensive midfielder now has three goals in five matches – level with Cat Macario and just behind forwards Lynn Biyendolo and Ally Sentnor among the team's top scorers. Claire Hutton Speaking of defensive midfielders scoring goals: Hutton rose to head home Rose Lavelle's perfectly placed corner in the 36th minute, notching her first goal for the US in just her sixth appearance. The 19-year-old has shown clear progress, translating her strong form with the first-place Kansas City Current to the international stage. Slotting in near-seamlessly alongside Coffey, Hutton has offered glimpses of a dynamic midfield partnership for the future. Rose Lavelle Lavelle returned to the USWNT for the first time in 2025 during this window and wasted no time reminding everyone of her quality. Starting the first and third matches, she was as deft and creative as ever in midfield. Lavelle scored and assisted against Ireland in her first game back, nearly scored off the bench in the second and was arguably the best player on the pitch against Canada. Hayes said: 'She's unique in the world game. There aren't many players like Rose Lavelle, and I genuinely think there is another level for her to reach with our team.' Avery Patterson and Lilly Reale Beyond Arsenal's Emily Fox, the full-back spots remain among the most contested in Hayes' squad. Twenty-one-year-old Gotham left-back Lilly Reale and 23-year-old Houston Dash right-back Avery Patterson – both converted full-backs with versatility – each earned two starts this window and made a strong case for long-term inclusion. Reale, making just her second senior appearance against Canada, limited the influence of veterans such as Janine Beckie while combining well with Alyssa Thompson down the flank. Hayes on Reale: 'I think Lilly Reale is showing steady progression. It's great to have a left-footer as an option on that side. She's strong defensively, tough to get behind.' Patterson, in her sixth cap, helped contain players like Ashley Lawrence and also provided a threat going forward, scoring in her first start of the window and providing an assist against Canada. Hayes said of the pair: 'I think they're at a similar level. Avery's better going forward; Lilly's better going backwards naturally. But they're both fast learners, and they're both adaptable.' Alyssa Thompson A word here for Thompson, whose pace and skill on the left wing made an impact in every match she played. The 20-year-old Angel City winger showed moments of individual brilliance, scoring her second international goal against Ireland in Colorado and adding a third in the next match off the bench. Though she didn't score against Canada, she remained a constant threat – her positioning and energy keeping her firmly in the mix amid a crowded field of elite forwards. Jane Campbell and Casey Murphy Another unsettled position in Hayes' squad is goalkeeper, which has been vacant since Alyssa Naeher's retirement. Manchester United's Phallon Tullis-Joyce has emerged as a likely No 1, following a clean-sheet debut against Brazil in April. With Tullis-Joyce resting alongside other European-based players, Hayes rotated her depth options this window and found promise in Seattle Reign's Claudia Dickey and Utah Royals' Mandy McGlynn. Dickey started the first and third matches and made several solid stops against Canada, including a late save. McGlynn featured in the second game and held her own, though Ireland didn't offer many tests. Meanwhile, Campbell and Murphy may now need exceptional league performances to claw their way back into the conversation. The doubters Hayes has been measured in her assessments, methodical in her team-building, and realistic about the road ahead. After beating Canada 3–0, she stressed that the team 'hasn't done anything yet'. That's true, but over the past year, confidence and experience have spread across a broader pool of talent. There's still work to be done, but Wednesday's dominant performance was a compelling reminder that this is a team quietly assembling the tools required to contend for the World Cup.
Al Arabiya
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
NWSL Will Kick Off 2026 Regular Season on March 13, Won't Play Matches From June 1-June 28
The National Women's Soccer League will avoid going head-to-head with the World Cup next June, according to an outline of the league's 2026 schedule released Wednesday. The league said no official NWSL matches will take place from June 1 through June 28. The World Cup, which is being hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off next June 11 and runs through July 19, 2026. The NWSL said it was proactively adjusting its scheduling framework to accommodate expected stadium demands with the global tournament. Seven of the league's 16 markets will host World Cup events. The 2026 regular season will begin on March 13, with teams playing a 30-match schedule through 27 weeks. Two expansion teams, the Boston Legacy and a team in Denver, will be joining the NWSL next year, bringing the league to 16 teams. The season concludes with decision day matches the weekend of Oct. 30–Nov. 1. The playoffs begin on Nov. 6.
New York Times
01-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Emma Hayes' rebuild of USWNT is focused on process, not hype
By the time Emma Hayes walked into Audi Field's windowless press conference room on this steamy Tuesday afternoon in Washington D.C. to talk about Wednesday's friendly against Canada, we already understood her strategy for the U.S. women's national team pretty clearly. Rotation? Check. Young players getting their shot? Check. Tactical clarity? Almost there. Advertisement Hayes isn't simply constructing a roster. It's a system, a culture and a framework designed to restore the U.S. to the top of the women's game, one deliberate decision at a time. 'My job is to make sure that they compete for when they're actually ready, and maybe it won't be all at the same time for all of them,' she told reporters. 'My job is to create sustained winning. It's not my job, it's what I live for. 2027 World Cup, 2028 Olympics, 2029 Gold Cup, 2031 regardless of how long I'm here, and that's what my job is.' Hayes sure takes her job seriously. In just over a year at the helm, she has turned the USWNT into a live laboratory. There are no guarantees. It does not matter where players come from. She's not afraid to test, tweak, and teach. 'The exciting thing about coaching is … you have a clear model,' she said. 'There's probably some particular things I don't want to talk about now, because I want to win the game, but we've really leaned into parts of our model in the last two camps and started to see a return on all of that intentional and deliberate practice.' Deliberateness is the key to Hayes's success. Her coaching philosophy hinges on trust in the process and long-term development over short-term success. Under her reign, the team has proven successful, scoring 15 goals in four games in this last international window. When asked about individual players she is picking and choosing for key positions in the team, Hayes responded confidently. There are no guarantees. Take Sam Coffey. Hayes surprised Coffey with the captain's armband on Sunday, a move all her players now understand will be the norm. 'She's an impeccable learner. She's always wanting to improve her game. It never ends. It's never enough … and I think her game has gone to a whole new level,' said Hayes. But when listening to Hayes, it is clear that Coffey's inclusion, like many others she decided to bring on for this camp, isn't just about form. Every call-up is a lesson, every minute on the pitch a test of tactical understanding in order for Hayes to place them within the big picture strategy for her team. Even against Canada, arguably the USWNT's toughest rival in the region and for this camp, Hayes is not changing her process for the opponent. Advertisement 'I only focus on us,' she said with a grin. 'And it's not because it's Canada or anyone. I only focus on that. Seventeen goal zone entries is exceptional, but still only four goals. Are we taking the right decision when we're in the right areas? Sometimes. Are we executing at the top level in the right situations?' Her approach is already reshaping the team's dynamic. In Sunday's friendly against Ireland, Hayes rotated her entire starting XI, something that hadn't happened with the U.S. in nearly 25 years. That kind of risk-taking only works if the system in place is sound and the players are prepped. Especially in a squad where the competition is brutal, where even star players and veterans like Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Horan and Lily Yohannes are fighting for a spot in the starting XI. But that's Hayes's plan for her team, and she is in it for the long run. 'Our motto is to make every second count in our interactions with them and also maximize the time we can build relationships. Because sometimes it means being with different groups at different times,' she said about her long-term plans. 'I pinch myself every day that I'm in this job. This is like the biggest honor to me, maybe even more so than I thought it would be. And so often people say, be careful what you wish for, because dreams don't necessarily match up with it. They're right about that. This one's better.' (Top photo of USWNT coach Emma Hayes with Rose Lavelle: Jason Mowry / Getty Images)
CTV News
30-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Halifax Tides FC introduces new head coach
Stephen Hart is the new interim head coach of Halifax Tides FC following Lewis Page's transition to the Tides Development Academy. Hart has previously led Canada's and Trinidad and Tobago's national teams and has most recently acted as a consultant with the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League. 'It's an honour to step into this role,' said Hart in a news release from the club. 'Our team is focused, resilient, and committed to growing together both on and off the field. I'm excited to lead this next chapter and help guide the players through the remainder of the season with passion, purpose, and pride.' Atlantic Canada's first professional women's soccer team, Halifax Tides FC is a founding club in the Northern Super League. Page, who was grew up in Chester, N.S., began the team's inaugural season as head coach. The Tides played eight matches so far this season, winning only one. Page will now turn his focus to the club's long-term player pathway by helping to establish the Tides Development Academy. 'This is about building for the long-term success of the club,' said Valerie Malone, president of Halifax Tides FC. 'Strengthening our leadership structure and investing in player development, starting with the Academy – are important steps in that direction. We're also continuing to reinforce the roster and look forward to sharing more on that later this week.' The club's next home match is scheduled for July 7 at 6:30 p.m. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
