The USWNT were never threatened, outscoring two opponents by combined 7-0 as Hayes improved to 18-2-2 as coach
Generally, when a team wins by a combined 7-0 scoreline across two games, virtually everyone involved will be worthy of praise. That's the case for the U.S. women's national team at the moment. This camp, featuring relatively comfortable wins over both China and Jamaica, was an unquestioned success.
Result-wise and performance-wise, USWNT coach Emma Hayes likely couldn't be happier, especially after the team had lost two of its past three matches – to Japan and Brazil – entering this camp. Those were Hayes' first two losses as U.S. coach, after going unbeaten in her first 17 matches in the job.
This camp, though, was about more than results. It was about paving the path for the future. In that sense, we got some answers over the last week. We learned a considerable amount about a young group of players looking to break through. We got insight into the goalkeeper position. We saw some debuts and some perception-changing performances from familiar faces.
Those answers, paradoxically, actually create more questions. Still two years out from a World Cup, nothing is definitive, and every single step forward is met with "what next?" The depth chart continues to be shaken up, and with Hayes continuing to experiment with lineups and combinations, there are clearly still more changes to come.
So who stood out? Whose stock rose against China and Jamaica, and whose fell? GOAL takes a look.
Getty ImagesStock up: Ally Sentnor
When it comes to seizing opportunities, few could have done it better than Ally Sentnor. The 21-year-old winger won U.S. Soccer's Young Female Player of the Year award in 2024, but 2025 is definitively her breakout campaign.
After scoring twice in February, Sentnor made it four goals from her four starts, netting a brace in the win over Jamaica. She put it all on display: creativity, drive, precision. Most importantly, though, Sentnor clearly has the quality an attacker can have: the ability to put the ball in the back of the net. And she's still just 21.
Given her age, Sentnor is probably further along than most could have expected. She's also outperforming her dreams with the USWNT. To put that into perspective, she has just six career goals with the Utah Royals. She's already up to four with the USWNT in four starts. The more she scores, the more her stock rises and, even in a crowded attacking group, Sentnor is starting to stand out.
AdvertisementAFPStock down: Triple Espresso
Who needs 'em? Kidding, of course, but it is safe to say that the USWNT hasn't noticeably missed a beat without the three star attackers. What type of USWNT will that trio eventually return to?
Mal Swanson and Sophia Wilson will be gone for a while, as both announced their pregnencies. Trinity Rodman, meanwhile, could be return at any point, depending on how her back injury progresses.
A year ago, as they were running roughshod throughout Paris en route to Olympic gold, all three looked like they'd be the anchors of an era. But with their absences, other candidates have made convincing arguments to be included in a fully-fit starting group.
Sentnor, is in that category, obviously. Alyssa Thompson has taken a massive leap forward, looking both more confident and quicker than ever. Catarina Macario isn't a pure No. 9, but her creativity can make the attack tick. Michelle Cooper has been great, too, as his Lynn Biyendolo, who continues handle her business as the game's best super-sub.
When Swanson, Wilson and Rodman do return, there's no doubt they'll do so with impact. They're too talented not to. But will they automatically reclaim their starting spots? It will be interesting, as this camp proved that even the USWNT's superstar gold medalists aren't immune to competition.
Getty Images SportStock up: Avery Patterson
For a while now, the USWNT has been calling for some competition for Emily Fox or, at the very least, a backup capable of pushing her. They have that now via multiple young players, and Patterson may be the best of the bunch.
The 22-year-old defender was fantastic through the two games, showing many of the qualities Hayes will want to see out of her wide defenders. She was solid against China, looking more than capable against a decent team, but she really shined in what looked like would only be a late cameo against Jamaica. She turned that cameo into an assist, proving she can make the most of a chance by creating on the field.
Usurping Fox will be no easy feat; she did just win the Champions League with Arsenal, after all. Patterson, along with Gisele Thompson – who was injured just before this camp – is making up ground as the U.S. have a fullback corps they can rely on.
Getty Images SportStock down: Goalkeepers not named Phallon Tullis-Joyce
Prior to camp, Hayes discussed her goalkeeper picture at length. She earmarked Phallon Tullis-Joyce as the leader at the moment, although there will obviously be plenty of twists and turns on the road to 2027.
There were no twists and no turns this camp, however. Tullis-Joyce was the starter for both games, offering some insight into where Hayes' mind is at the moment when it comes to her goalkeepers.
It wasn't particularly surprising to see Claudia Dickey on the bench; she is new, after all. It was a bit surprising, though, to see Mandy McGlynn left out. The Utah Royals goalkeeper has featured three times since the Olympics, but she didn't see the field in either game as Hayes stuck with Tullis-Joyce.
The Manchester United keeper, to her credit, didn't put a foot wrong in either game – but that's largely because there wasn't really a chance to do so. She was never really tested. These games were straightforward, giving the goalkeeper little to do.
Hayes will have known that was coming, but it was interesting to see her go with the same goalkeeper twice. Is Tullis-Joyce the goalkeeper of the moment only, and will others get their chance?
