With key players out and Hayes seeking to mix and match, GOAL looks at how the USWNT could line up against Australia
The SheBelieves Cup is a sprint, not a marathon and, at this level, sprints require rotation. U.S. women's national team head coach Emma Hayes acknowledged that by calling in an extra outfield player to this camp, with just two goalkeepers. For the USWNT to get through two more games, they'll need just about everyone.
Hayes unleashed a few surprises for the USWNT's opener, a 2-0 win over Colombia headlined by goals from Catarina Macario and Ally Sentnor. The latter, in particular, was one of the more surprising starters in that game and she responded by netting her first USWNT goal. There are plenty of other young players in search of similar breakouts, but Hayes has some difficult decisions to make when balancing this XI.
Changes are coming for Sunday's match against Australia, which kicks off at 5 p.m. ET in Phoenix. The only question is how many? With just a few days in between games, and just a few more before Wednesday's match against Japan, Hayes will certainly mix and match.
It'll be a balancing act of youth and veterans, but also of fitness level as the U.S. travels all over the West to play three tough games against three strong teams. And several stars are not on the roster, including Naomi Girma, Sophia Wilson, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson.
There's no predicting what Hayes, who remains unbeaten in her first 16 matches in charge of the USWNT, will do – she's proven on more than one occasion that she can go any which way with her XI. So what changes could she make from Colombia to Australia? GOAL takes a look.
Getty Images SportGK: Jane Campbell
No need to change anything here and, to be fair, Campbell deserves at least one, if not two, more starts this camp. She had so little to do against Colombia, but maybe she'll get a chance to make a few saves against Australia, even if they are without superstar striker Sam Kerr.
Campbell is pushing for a spot as the USWNT's No. 1. The Colombia game didn't give her much to work with when it came to proving her case, which makes this Australia match feel even more important.
AdvertisementUSA Today SportsLB: Crystal Dunn
Jenna Nighswonger started the first game and, to her credit, shined in that left-back role. She got up and down the field, as the USWNT clearly attempted to attack down her side, leading to some good sequences and very nearly a goal.
Because of that performance, Nighswonger could certainly retain her spot in the XI. Hayes, though, could also rotate, giving Crystal Dunn a runout. Dunn could use it.. She's played just 79 minutes since September, so getting some extended game time will likely do wonders for her as she begins life at PSG on the club level.
With that in mind, we'll give her the start in this game, even if it's tough to bench Nighswonger.
IMAGNCB: Emily Sams
Sams looked solid in her first two caps back in the fall, but watched on from the bench in the Colombia game. She's due another chance, and it'll likely come on Sunday.
Newcomer Tara McKeown put in a good shift after settling into the game on Thursday, and she and Sams are likely now pushing each other for one of those final centerback spots in a full-strength roster. Both need more experience, though, and it's Sams' turn to get some.
GettyCB: Tierna Davidson
Another change here as Davidson takes the spot of a fellow veteran. Emily Sonnett got the nod last game after being honored for her 100th cap pregame but this should be Davidson's time to shine.
At the moment, Davidson is likely the best partner for the currently-absent Naomi Girma. That duo has proven itself plenty of times, but this is a good chance for Davidson to get some reps alongside someone other than the world-class Chelsea newcomer.
