Takeaways from the USWNT’s two friendlies

Iceland won’t want to see a 3-1 score anytime soon.

In three days, the U.S. women’s national team recorded back-to-back 3-1 wins over Iceland. In both matches – the first in Austin, the second in Nashville – the score was tied at 1-1 in the 72nd minute, but Iceland just couldn’t hold on.

Notably, in the second meeting, Iceland also became the first team to take a lead against the USWNT under Emma Hayes when Karólína Vilhjálmsdóttir scored an Olimpico in the 31st minute. But the 2024 Olympic gold medalists are still undefeated since Hayes took over in June 2024, with an 11-1-0 record.

No one can match the Americans in terms of depth

The most striking thing about these games was how, even when the starting XI wasn’t shining, Hayes was able to turn the game around by making changes. As commendably organized and compact as Iceland was, the country ultimately succumbed to the quality available to the USWNT.

Hayes will be pleased that five of the six goals scored in the two matches were scored by substitutes. The US scored only one goal in the first half, Sensational opening goal by Alyssa Thompson in the first meeting.

During the triumphant Paris Olympics, Hayes relied heavily on her favorite starting XI to get the job done and rarely relied on substitutes. But during this period we saw her tinker with her setup, while also having the confidence to make changes if it isn’t working.

Yes, players like Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan, both Ballon d’Or nomineeswill definitely be starters instead of on the bench in future games. But the big goals from Thompson, Lynn Williams, Jaedyn Shaw, as well as the brilliant debuts from Emma Sears, Yazmeen Ryan and Emily Sams will make other nations jealous.

Alyssa Thompson Pushes ‘Triple Espresso’

Speaking of Thompson, this was a big international window for the 19-year-old. After a year without being called up to the USWNT, she returned with a bang during the friendlies in Iceland.

The Angel City winger scored her first ever international goal in the first match, and then came off the bench at wing-back in the second match to help spark a comeback from 1–0 down. After the match, Hayes praised the forward for her versatility.

Thompson’s incredible form in the competition this year, combined with her immediate impact in a USA jersey, means she could push for the famous ‘Triple Espresso’ front line for a starting spot in the coming year. Or perhaps there will be a “Quadruple Espresso” in the USWNT’s future.

Emma Sears’ debut for the ages

Four players – Ryan, Hal Hershfelt, Sams and Sears – received their first American caps in the friendlies in Iceland.

Sears was the one who made the biggest headlines when she scored a goal and assisted from the bench in the second match against Iceland. She became the first player to score and assist on her USWNT debut since Christen Press against Scotland in 2009. Very good company to be associated with.

The Racing Louisville rookie was a surprise breakout star of the NWSL in 2024 with five goals and an assist. She was drafted 28th overall out of Ohio State and had never been part of a USWNT junior age group. Her speed and directness in attacking the goal were fantastic. She is another dynamic winger who can be added to the American depth chart.

It’s been a long year

It wasn’t all positive for the US during this international window. Hayes has experimented a lot and the lack of cohesion when it comes to the relationships between the players on the field has been apparent.

It’s not just the lack of continuity that has contributed to the slowness. There’s also the fact that these friendlies come right at the end of a long NWSL season that was also interrupted by the Olympics this summer. The USWNT also looked tired and sloppy at times, and that is quite understandable after a very long year with a lot of football

Yes, there was quality and urgency available outside the bank. But in both games, the US lacked real enthusiasm for well over an hour. Hayes himself called these performances “a bit rusty” and “slow.”

Where for Art Thou midfield?

Since the 2023 World Cup debacle, there has been a microscope on the USWNT’s failing midfield.

The US may have won the W Gold Cup and the 2023 Olympics, but have failed to establish a coherent passing rhythm in midfield, especially when teams find themselves in a low block.

Sam Coffey is one of the best passers and shield players in the NWSL. Horan is a powerful threat and fighter for Lyon. Rose Lavelle can get out of trouble and cut a lightning bolt-like shot from outside the box.

However, the individuals do not form a complex unity. The US may be the best team in the world in both boxes, but the friendlies in Iceland showed no signs of getting any closer to connecting the lines. Whether that’s with the favorite trio or with Korbin Albert and Olivia Moultrie joining us.