GOAL looks at the biggest keys as the USWNT take on Canada, with Hayes expected to fortify lineup in third friendly of the week
The third of three friendlies in seven days for the USWNT kicks off Wednesday, when coach Emma Hayes' side faces Canada – the two nations' 67th meeting all-time – at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
In 2024, the two squads battled in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinal, and then again in the SheBelieves Cup Final in February. Both matches ended in 2-2 draws, and both went to penalty kicks – with the USWNT eventually winning.
Wednesday's matchup will seem familiar, with both rosters packed with talent. The USWNT is coming off consecutive 4-0 victories over Ireland, and Hayes has the opportunity to roll out her best starting XI against Canada. After two games with entirely different starting lineups, she has a few tough calls to make for Wednesday's game.
GOAL takes a look at five keys for the USWNT in their final of three friendlies this summer.
Getty ImagesHayes' final player review period
Hayes has stressed the importance of these three friendlies as a chance to see the full scope of the roster before honing in on what will be a more permanent squad as windows shorten ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
"I believe it's an important game, as are all of them," she said. "I think it's an opportunity to show the progress we've made in these five months. There's been a lot of work that's gone into developing the player pool. There's been a lot of learnings – Brazil, Japan, games where less experienced players have had to grow up on the field and gain the necessary experiences – and now I get a chance to see it again.
"I think we're in a really good place as a team. And I know it means a lot to the team to continue to raise the level and regardless of who their opponent are, but I also know it's it's a very important game for this country."
At this point, Hayes has seen virtually the entire roster play. In the first match against Ireland, she lined up a starting lineup that was entirely different than her starting XI against Ireland the second. Hayes has her work cut out for her to select starters for Wednesday, as both Ireland matches showed phenomenal execution and debuts, such those from as Izzy Rodriguez and Lilly Reale.
“As this game will end a three-match window," she said, "we’ll get a good chance to see our whole roster in training and hopefully game action before selecting a team to start."
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe goalkeeper situation
Hayes named three keepers to the roster for the June and July friendlies: Claudia Dickey, Maddy McGlynn and Angelina Anderson. In the first match against Ireland, Dickey, who plays for Seattle Reign FC, earned her first cap. On Sunday, McGlynn earned the start and her fourth appearance to date. Anderson, a keeper for Angel City, hasn't dressed for either of the games.
Manchester United's Phallon Tullis-Joyce seemed to be the clear No. 1, but she and other European-based club players were left off the roster for this camp. Canada will be a key test, as they historically have been a challenging team up top.
In the Ireland games, neither Dickey or McGlynn were forced to make a save. The USWNT outshot Ireland in the first meeting 26-1, and 25-3 on Sunday. Ireland didn't record any shots on target.
Hayes is looking for a keeper that can play well with her feet and help build the attack with thoughtful distribution. The Canada could be key, as Hayes has not seen either keeper tested over the last week.
Getty ImagesOutside back overload
There was a moment when the outside back position was a major question mark for the USWNT, especially the left back spot. Now the roster is packed with left-footed outside backs.
Emily Fox has been the clear right outside back for the USWNT, yet because of her club playing schedule with Arsenal, was not included in this roster. Hayes called in defenders Emily Sams (CB), Tara McKeown (CB), Emily Sonnett (CB), Naomi Girma (CB), Avery Patterson (OB), Lilly Reale (OB), Izzy Rodriguez (OB), Gisele Thompson (OB) and Jordyn Bugg (CB) for this trio of games.
Reale and Rodriguez earned their first caps. Reale chipped in an assist in her first appearance, and Rodriguez scored a goal. Patterson was also lights out for the USWNT, scoring her first goal for the U.S. and playing a high-line that just adds an element of dimension and space for the midfield and attacking line.
Bugg, just 18, started on Sunday, playing alongside Rodriguez, Sams and McKeown. Against Canada, it's possible Hayes rolls out the big guns and plays experienced Girma and Sonnett in the middle, with Patterson on one side, and then possibly Reale on the other – as Rodriguez did play a full match on Sunday.
Regardless, the outside back spot is plentiful – and a fun position to watch as historically the USWNT have had some top talent out wide, including Kelley O'Hara, Crystal Dunn and Ali Krieger.
Getty ImagesCoffey provides a jolt
Sam Coffey adds the stability and consistency the USWNT need, especially without Lindsey Heaps in the middle. What Coffey does so well is balance out a very attacking-minded midfield by holding back when necessary, and working with the backline to keep gaps minimal and build out.
Against Canada, Coffey will be integral in terms of experience in the midfield – even if she's paired with a young group. Whether it's Claire Hutton or Olivia Moultrie, she'll be fine guiding those around her.
When Rose Lavelle was in the match for 60 minutes, her ability to combine with Coffey was unmatched. Given Lavelle's situation, coming back from a long injury hiatus, her time could be limited on Wednesday.
Regardless of who's around Coffey, Hayes loves her in that holding midfield spot. Kudos to Coffey, who has also managed to showcase her scoring ability, finishing twice in her last three games.
