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Jeff Kassouf
Multiple Authors
The United States women’s national team secured a 1-0 win over Canada on Wednesday, a performance that, while not as commanding as their previous match against the same team eight months prior, was still a crucial step forward as they prepare for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
This past year has been marked by experimentation and a mix of experience for the USWNT under coach Emma Hayes, who has fielded new players—granting 32 debuts across her first 32 matches. The recent match and upcoming SheBelieves Cup games are focused on polishing skills, building depth, and maturing as a team.
“It was one of my favorite performances because they are maturing,” Hayes remarked after the victory.
Forward Ally Sentnor netted the only goal of the match just ten minutes into the second half, seizing her chance in the competitive race for the USWNT’s No. 9 position. This year, she has scored three goals in four matches.
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Sentnor was among the players with the most to prove in Wednesday’s match in Columbus, Ohio, as Hayes seeks reliable players for the upcoming World Cup. She received praise from Hayes for her smart play throughout the game.
Sentnor almost scored in the first half from a corner kick that mirrored the play leading to her goal. She also spearheaded the USWNT’s successful pressing game that caused errors for Canada, setting up a one-on-one chance just before halftime.
Although she missed that shot, Hayes acknowledged Sentnor’s resolve in bouncing back to score early in the second half.
Gisele Thompson, making her presence known as a fullback for the USWNT, was also tasked with frequently joining the offense as part of her development early in her career. Thompson played the full 90 minutes for the second time in four days, a decision Hayes made to encourage her growth in durability as a player.
The lineup on Wednesday saw four changes from the U.S. team that previously defeated Canada 3-0 last July. The gameplay exhibited imperfections, particularly in the first half when the Americans struggled to connect in the final third and missed opportunities despite applying pressure high up the field. Early mistakes in defense gave Canada some fleeting confidence.
Nevertheless, there was a mature vibe to the USWNT’s performance on Wednesday. Despite Canada’s difficulties in generating offense, the USWNT appeared to be transforming from what seemed like open tryouts to a more cohesive unit that is honing its abilities on the big stage.
Hayes had previously shared her vision the day before this match, praising Emma Sears, a second-round pick in the 2024 NWSL draft who previously may not have been recognized as a potential standout.
Hayes recalled a discussion from around last year’s Canada match, where she outlined the progress she expected from Sears. Ahead of Wednesday’s match, she confidently told Sears that if the World Cup began today, she would be one of the first substitutes called upon.
Entering the match in the 69th minute, Sears quickly made an impact by advancing the ball from one penalty box to the other, earning a corner kick. The focus for her and several teammates has shifted from simply making the roster to how much they can contribute and in what situations.
Sears now has 16 caps for the USWNT, while Sentnor boasts 17. Alongside other emerging stars like midfielder Claire Hutton, who also started on Wednesday, they blended well with seasoned players such as midfielders Sam Coffey and Rose Lavelle, alongside defender Naomi Girma. Alyssa Thompson, a player straddling the line between newcomer and veteran, continued to demonstrate her dynamic abilities on the wing.
Lavelle was once again a formidable presence in midfield on Wednesday, prompting Canada’s coach, Casey Stoney, to alter his team’s formation to accommodate for her influence on the game.
Now a 30-year-old veteran, Lavelle’s international breakthrough happened nearly ten years ago during the SheBelieves Cup, and this year has been among her best, especially since her recovery from ankle surgery last spring.
“Everyone respects Rose for various reasons, and I appreciate that she is embracing her role as a leader, as it’s crucial for our team,” Hayes commented. “Young players like Ally Sentnor, Gisele, and even Alyssa and Claire are all progressing in their maturity, thanks to the high standards set by veterans like Rose.”
Hayes likely fielded her strongest possible lineup on Wednesday, combining new veterans with young talents, all of whom are now proving they can perform in high-stakes games.
The U.S. team maintained their composure throughout the 1-0 win, exhibiting no visible signs of panic or exhaustion. This resilience will bolster Hayes as she heads to New Jersey for the SheBelieves Cup finale against Colombia, bringing her closer to defining what next year’s World Cup roster might look like.