The United States women’s national team concluded 2025 on a positive note, securing a 2-0 victory against Italy on Monday. With first-half goals from Cat Macario and Jaedyn Shaw, the team maintained its shutout against Le Azzurre in their final friendly match of the year.
Following a commanding 3-0 win over Italy just days prior, the USWNT continued to showcase its dominance on Monday. They controlled possession and outshot the Italians threefold, scoring two goals early in the match.
The opener came from Macario in the 20th minute, as the forward floated a perfect shot over Italian goalkeeper Francesca Durante. Shaw then strengthened the lead in the 41st minute with a powerful strike from outside the box.
Both goals highlighted the essence of the USWNT: while Macario and Shaw exhibited remarkable individual skill, the entire team contributed to the buildup. (Macario could have added another goal, but a second-half rebound attempt was disallowed due to an unclear foul called against the U.S. in the box.)
Italy made effective adjustments in the second half, keeping the score at 2-0. Nonetheless, it was a significant win for the U.S., providing a fitting close to their year.
Postgame, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes praised the team’s patience and skill despite limited practice time together.
“I’ve really enjoyed the performances in these two games; I think they’re my favorite performances of the year. More players delivered that performance, not just 11,” Hayes remarked.
This year, the USWNT has emphasized growth—both individually and collectively within the player pool. With Monday’s victory, the team has achieved 12 wins and faced three losses in 2025 as Hayes navigated a season without a major tournament.
Following a successful gold medal run at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Hayes found herself adjusting to a team with several missing core players due to retirements (Alyssa Naeher, Alex Morgan, Christen Press, Becky Sauerbrunn) and injuries; notably, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson missed the season while pregnant.
However, Hayes has seen this transition as a chance to broaden the player pool, laying the groundwork for the next World Cup cycle and the future of the USWNT. Since taking over as head coach in 2024, she has introduced 27 players to international competition.
Additionally, she has leveraged this quieter year to experiment with various player combinations: a total of 50 different players have made starts for the USWNT this year, according to OptaJack.
After Monday’s match, Hayes emphasized the importance of long-term talent development, noting the recent achievements of the U.S. U-20 and U-23 teams and the necessity for experimentation.
“You have to appreciate what is involved in development. Trust me, I’m a developer of talent. You don’t do it by not playing them. You have to trial and error. You have to experiment. It’s the only way you find the next level in yourself,” she stated.
As 2027 Women’s World Cup preparations begin, Hayes’ strategy may shift to focus more on qualifying for the tournament. Yet, for now, it’s uncertain who will secure spots on the final roster. Smith and Swanson are expected to return soon, while others will need to compete for limited roster positions as the lineup solidifies.
Despite the challenges, it has likely been rewarding for the USWNT to see emerging talents like midfielder Claire Hutton, defender Jordyn Bugg, and goalkeepers Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Claudia Dickey shine alongside established players like Macario, Shaw, and Alyssa Thompson as they regain their form.
Looking ahead, the USWNT has just one match on the calendar for next year: a friendly against Paraguay on January 24, with plans for more games, including another January match to be announced.
Hayes faces numerous tough decisions moving forward, but for now, the U.S. can take pride in finishing the year on a strong note.