USWNT vs. Iceland: Can the USWNT Remain Successful Post-Olympics?
The USWNT is set to turn the page after winning the gold medal in Paris this summer. Heading into the Olympics, Emma Hayes conducted an incredible balancing act between ending her tenure at Chelsea and getting acclimated to the USWNT. Assistant Twila Kilgore played a huge role in helping Hayes act as the interim USWNT manager.
Now, Hayes can devote 100% of her attention to the Stars and Stripes. As all national team managers do, they’ve been making the rounds at NWSL matches and scouting the players they’d like to give an opportunity to. As a new USWNT cycle begins, Emma Hayes is giving numerous new names a chance to break into a competitive USA player pool as they prepare for a pair of friendlies against Iceland. Here’s a breakdown of Hayes’ roster selection and a preview of the USWNT match versus Iceland.
Roster Breakdown
Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Casey Murphy (NC Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defenders: Emily Fox (Arsenal), Eva Gaetino (Paris Saint-Germain), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Hailie Mace (KC Current), Alyssa Malonson (Bay FC), Jenna Nighswonger (Gotham FC), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)
Midfielders: Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Ashley Sanchez (NC Courage)
Forwards: Yazmeen Ryan (Gotham FC), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City), Lynn Williams (Gotham FC)
USWNT vs. Iceland Roster
As usual, there are no changes when it comes to the goalkeepers. Alyssa Naeher has maintained her standard as the USWNT’s No. 1 keeper. Casey Murphy is likely the No. 2 and, I believe, has the best chance to take over as the USWNT’s No. 1 goalkeeper in the future. Jane Campbell is one of the NWSL’s best, and choosing between her and Aubrey Kingsbury for the last goalkeeper spot is tough.
The backline sees many new faces, which is exciting for the future of the USWNT defense. Eva Gaetino has been called in before but is getting another opportunity after choosing to take her talents to Paris with PSG over going to the NWSL. Hailie Mace received a call-up before, and she’s a talented, young player for the KC Current and can defend well. She used to be an attacker at UCLA, and her versatility could help her down the line.
Alyssa Malonson and Emily Sams are the two new additions to the team. Emily Sams has overcome injuries but is a former elite prospect who was the centerpiece of the 2021 Florida State National Championship team and a top 3 NWSL draft pick. It’s awesome to see Sams fulfill her potential and get this call up. Alyssa Malonson starred at Auburn and was the former SEC Defender of the Year. Considering the job she’s done for Bay FC as a left-back, she deserves the call-up. Plus, it’s a position that the USWNT hasn’t had the most depth in.
Most of the midfielders are familiar names, such as Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, and Rose Lavelle. Ashley Sanchez is finally back after a fantastic season with the NC Courage. After not being on the team for the Olympic cycle, Sanchez showed how resilient she is. The change of scenery in North Carolina has done wonders for her. Portland Thorns have counted on Olivia Moultrie this season. She is ready for more international experience. Don’t forget she’s still just 19 but already has plenty of pro experience. Hal Hershfelt has been a mainstay for the Washington Spirit and is as reliable as they come. Hershfelt was one of the few players who avoided the injury bug and is a big reason why they’re second in the NWSL standings.
Regarding the strikers, there are three names to watch out for, with the others being stars you know and love. Alyssa Thompson returned from the Olympic break, rejuvenated, and scored five goals in five games. She got to work, improved her game, and resulted in a USWNT call-up. Yasmeen Ryan is a bit more experienced and a back-to-back NWSL Champion with both Portland and Gotham. Ryan has steadily improved each year and wholeheartedly deserves the call for the USA. Lastly, Emma Sears of Racing Louisville has been fantastic this season. Sears is tenacious and always looking to score and take players on. Sears’ playing style is similar to a Sophia Smith or Mallory Swanson in the sense that she’s direct, she won’t look to pass back unless she has to. While these new players are great, there’s no guarantee we’ll see them all play against Iceland in the first friendly.
Match Preview: USWNT vs. Iceland, Thursday, October 24 at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT, TBS, Universo
Make no mistake: this might be a gold medal victory tour, but Iceland has every opportunity to spoil it. They’re going to be way better than people will give them credit for. They’re ranked No. 13 globally and are on a three-game winning streak in Euro 2025 qualifying, defeating Austria, Germany, and Poland last July. Iceland is building towards qualifying for their first World Cup with this new generation of players. Their current roster only has four players who are 30 or older, and their stars all play high-level European soccer in Italy and Germany. The player the USWNT will have to focus on is Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir, who has been a starter and sub for VFL Wolfsburg in the Champions League and Frauen Bundesliga. Jónsdóttir and her teammates will not be afraid of the moment and should make both matches challenging for the USWNT.
With that being said, this USWNT team is loaded at all three levels. As long as Emma Hayes plays the usual starters, the expectation is to win as always. The one question mark is what formation will Hayes use? Will it be a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3? This will determine which midfielders we’re likely to see in the game. A 4-3-3 will likely see Rose Lavelle as one of the three midfielders. A 4-2-3-1 might move her to the bench with Sam Coffey and Korbin Albert in the defensive midfield spots. Emma Hayes has tended to mix it up and try different formations and lineups. It’s tough to predict how she’ll pick the Starting XI. Regardless of how the team lines up, seeing a newer USWNT group together to take on a formidable opponent in Austin, Texas, against Iceland is exciting.
Featured image via @uswnt on Instagram
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