Why We Haven’t Seen Triple Espresso Back in Action
No one can forget the dynamic attacking trio of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman, who helped lead the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) to a Gold Medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics. But the trio—affectionately self-titled as “Triple Espresso”—has been notably absent from recent USWNT activities. Is Coach Emma Hayes working out a new strategy?
Why haven’t we seen them?
View this post on Instagram
In November 2024, Hayes announced the roster for friendly matches against England and the Netherlands, leaving Smith, Swanson, and Rodman off the list. Needing to heal from “nagging injuries,” it made sense to give the trio a break while working out new players.
The trio made headlines yet again as fans noticed their omission from the January 2025 training camp roster. “Decaffeinated,” as Goal.com described them, Smith, Swanson, and Rodman are all still recovering from injuries and taking the time to rest. The January camp also omitted international players, including Captain Lindsey Horan.
What Coach Hayes Has To Say
View this post on Instagram
Hayes has reiterated the importance of rest and recovery for key players, stating that the camp provides an opportunity to evaluate new talent while allowing established players to recuperate. Hayes is also known for her strategic training and development of newer talent (like Hal Hershfelt) and sees camps as a great opportunity to work with these players and “give them experiences.”
View this post on Instagram
The USWNT has been integrating fresh faces into the squad. For instance, during the November friendlies, young talents like Emma Sears, Ally Sentnor, Jaedyn Shaw, and Alyssa Thompson were given the opportunity to step up and gain international experience, strengthening the team roster and developing the team’s competitive edge.
However, the USWNT’s performance without “Triple Espresso” has been a mixed bag. Notably, in the match against England at Wembley Stadium on November 30, 2024, the team settled for a 0-0 draw. The trio’s absence was felt as the team struggled to find the back of the net. Veteran defender Ali Krieger highlighted the challenges faced without the trio.
“Without Triple Espresso, the game is a little bit different,” she said on ESPN FC.
However, the U.S. v. Netherlands game was a bit different, with the U.S. seeing a 2-1 win.
You can’t develop new players without testing them on the international field. The more opportunities newer players like Alyssa Thompson, Lynn Williams, and Emma Sears (the front line replacing Triple Espresso) get, the better they’ll perform. And now, with Naeher retired from international play, it opens the doors for newer faces, like Angelina Anderson, to take the stage.
When will Triple Espresso be back?
View this post on Instagram
As of January 2025, there is no official timeline for the return of Smith, Swanson, and Rodman to the USWNT. Fans eagerly await the reunion of “Triple Espresso,” whose synergy and attacking prowess energize (or caffeinate) the field.
Image via @trinity_rodman
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS
Girls Soccer Network
Your source for girls soccer news
