The United States women’s national team secured a 1-0 win against Canada on Wednesday, which was not as commanding as their previous encounter eight months prior, when they overwhelmed their northern rivals in Washington, D.C. Nonetheless, this match served as a significant milestone for the Americans as they prepare for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Over the past year, experimentation and a lack of experience have characterized the USWNT, as head coach Emma Hayes introduced new players—32 debuts in her first 32 matches leading up to this tournament. However, Wednesday’s match and the SheBelieves Cup have focused on refinement, showcasing the development of depth and maturity in the team.
“It was one of my favorite performances, because they’re growing up,” Hayes remarked about her team following the victory on Wednesday.
Forward Ally Sentnor netted the only goal of the match 10 minutes into the second half, capitalizing on her opportunity in the competitive race for the USWNT’s No. 9 position. She has now scored three goals in four matches this year.
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Sentnor was among the USWNT starters with the most to demonstrate on Wednesday in Columbus, Ohio, as Hayes seeks to identify reliable players as the 2027 World Cup approaches. After the match, she received praise from Hayes for her intelligent performance.
Sentnor nearly scored in the first half from a corner kick setup similar to the one that led to her goal. She also spearheaded the USWNT’s effective high-pressure tactics that forced errors from Canada, creating a one-on-one chance just before halftime.
Although she missed that shot at the near post, Hayes acknowledged the forward’s determination to move past the mistake and score shortly after the break.
Gisele Thompson also started at fullback for the USWNT and was frequently asked to join the attack in another significant appearance early in her career at age 20. Thompson played the full 90 minutes for the second time in four days, a decision Hayes made intentionally, emphasizing the need for Thompson to enhance her durability to compete regularly for the USWNT.
Thompson and Sentnor were part of four changes from the U.S. lineup that defeated Canada 3-0 last July. The USWNT’s performance on Wednesday was not without flaws, particularly in the first half, when the Americans appeared disjointed in the final third and failed to take advantage of the pressure they successfully applied high up the field. There were also early defensive errors that allowed Canada to gain some confidence.
Despite these challenges, there was a sense of maturity in the USWNT’s victory on Wednesday. While Canada struggled to create chances, the USWNT exhibited the qualities of a team transitioning from what felt like open tryouts to a more cohesive group that is discovering its best form in a tournament context.
Hayes provided insight into this vision the day before the match, expressing enthusiasm about the progress of Emma Sears.
Sears, a second-round pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft by Racing Louisville FC, was not widely recognized as a potential breakout professional, let alone an international player.
Around the time of last year’s match against Canada, Hayes discussed the improvements she needed to see from Sears. Ahead of Wednesday’s rematch, Hayes informed Sears that if the World Cup were to start today, she would be among the first players off the bench.
Sears entered the match in the 69th minute and quickly advanced the ball from one penalty box to the other, earning a corner kick. The focus for Sears and several teammates has shifted from whether they will make the roster to how much and in what situations they will participate.
Sears now has 16 caps for the USWNT, while Sentnor has 17 caps.
Both players, along with emerging midfielder Claire Hutton—who started again on Wednesday, as she did against Canada in July—integrated well with established players like midfielders Sam Coffey and Rose Lavelle, and defender Naomi Girma. Alyssa Thompson, who is not new but not yet a veteran, continued to be dynamic and impactful on the wing.
Similar to last July, Lavelle was a standout presence in the midfield on Wednesday. Her influence was so significant that Canada coach Casey Stoney acknowledged that Lavelle prompted Canada to adjust their formation to include two holding midfielders.
Lavelle, who first gained international recognition during the SheBelieves Cup nearly a decade ago, is now a 30-year-old veteran on the team. She has experienced her best (and healthiest) year in recent memory since returning from ankle surgery last spring.
“Everybody respects Rose for so many reasons, and I love that she is embracing this [leadership] role, because the team needs it,” Hayes stated. “If you consider players from Ally Sentnor to Gisele—even Alyssa, Claire Hutton—they are truly progressing, and their maturity is developing thanks to players like Rose, who ensure they feel the high challenge of the environment, but most importantly, the high challenge of veteran leadership.”
Hayes likely fielded her best available lineup on Wednesday, with a blend of newly established veterans and younger players who are primarily working to demonstrate their capability to handle matches like this—tournament soccer on short rest against a formidable opponent.
The Americans managed to maintain their 1-0 lead without displaying signs of panic or fatigue. This resilience, along with the victory and any set piece success, will likely have Hayes optimistic as she heads to New Jersey for Saturday’s SheBelieves Cup finale against Colombia. It will also bring her closer to a clearer understanding of what next year’s World Cup team may resemble.
