The Best USWNT Moments Of 2023

December 19, 2023
By Kayleigh Toney

It was a tough year for the USWNT, with the 2023 Women’s World Cup not going how they would have hoped, but there were plenty of highlights nonetheless. From new kits to a new coach, we look at some of the best USWNT moments of 2023.

New Kits

Early this year, ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, U.S. Soccer released new jerseys for the year. They got the pretty standard blue jerseys and white jerseys that were a big change from 2022. This year, the jersey had a nice paint splatter effect, adding a little design to the kit.

Good morning people in the U.S. who actually sleep! Nike dropped 26(!) new jerseys for the 2023 World Cup. The #USWNT's 'paint-drip' kit is a departure from the white colorblock + it's inspired by abstract expressionism.

Story on @EqualizerSoccer:

➡️ https://t.co/EK5w0ad79W pic.twitter.com/BT6i9zU3xB

— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) April 3, 2023

New Faces

Savannah DeMelo, Korbin Rose, Olivia Moultrie, Jenna Nighswonger, Jaedyn Shaw, Mia Fishel, and M.A. Vignola all made their first appearances for the USWNT this year. It’s a changing of the guard per se for the USWNT with the Olympics coming up. It’ll be a new age for this team, and it’s exciting to watch.

Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe Retirement Games

With the new faces coming into the team, it also means that we’re seeing some big-name players retire. Both Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz hung up their boots and retired from the game. Rapinoe has been a face of this team for quite a long time, so it’s sad to see her and Ertz go.

SheBelieves Cup Victory

In February, the USWNT kicked off its calendar year with the SheBelieves Cup. They ended the tournament with three wins against quality opponents in Brazil, Canada, and Japan. Mallory Swanson ended the tournament as the leading goal scorer with four goals.

Becky Sauerbrunn and Abby Dahlkemper Return

It was a tough year for injuries around the USWNT. Both Becky Sauerbrunn and Abby Dahlkemper missed out on the World Cup due to injuries. Sauerbrunn missed time with a foot injury but returned to the field in October. Dahlkemper suffered from a severe back injury that required surgery, but she made her return to the field in August for the San Diego Wave and her USWNT return in December.

Lindsey Horan Goal vs. Netherlands at World Cup

The World Cup was a difficult tournament for the USWNT as they suffered an early exit, but one of the best moments came during their Group Stage match against the Netherlands. They were down 1-0, and Lindsey Horan was fouled brutally, making her visibly upset. She scored a brilliant header on the set piece on the next play. Her goal immediately after the foul to bring the game to a draw and keep the USWNT in the running for the top of the group was really something special.

LINDSEY HORAN SENDS THE ULTIMATE MESSAGE 🇺🇸

THE @USWNT HAS LEVELED IT 🤫 pic.twitter.com/IV7hnG4CyK

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 27, 2023

Emma Hayes Named Head Coach

With the World Cup being a disappointment for the USWNT, Vlatko Andonovski resigned from the head coach position. They recently announced hiring Emma Hayes, but she won’t officially take over the team until after the WSL season ends in May as she’s Chelsea’s current head coach. It’s an exciting new age for the USWNT, and 2024 should be a good year!

She’s headed Stateside 🇺🇸

U.S. Soccer has appointed Emma Hayes as the 10th full-time head coach in #USWNT history » https://t.co/sR7qfSnWVx

Welcome, Emma! pic.twitter.com/WYn6Sg9RmX

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) November 14, 2023

Featured image via Noel Danseco