USWNT Triumphs Amid Uncertainty: Emma Hayes Awaits
The interim era of the U.S. women’s national team has finally come to an end, and the arrival of Emma Hayes as head coach is just around the corner. Twila Kilgore, the interim head coach, faced the challenging task of leading the team through a period of rebuilding after their disappointing early exit from the World Cup. Kilgore gracefully accepted her role and will step aside once Hayes arrives in May. The team is looking forward to Hayes’ arrival, as they seek stability after a period of post-World Cup upheaval.
Uncertainty looms over the team, with many new players making their mark and a new coach on the horizon. Defender Tierna Davidson expressed the team’s apprehension, stating that they are unsure of what Hayes will expect and value. The roster has also lost key leaders such as Julie Ertz, Megan Rapinoe, and Becky Sauerbrunn. Despite this, the team has managed to find direction through the CONCACAF W Gold Cup and the SheBelieves Cup.
The CONCACAF W Gold Cup was a success for the team, providing them with valuable experience against competitive opponents in a pressure-cooker scenario similar to the Olympics. The addition of the two SheBelieves Cup games further helped develop tactics and expand the player pool. New and returning players have had ample playing time, with some already solidifying their spots on the Olympic roster. However, the team still lacks an identifiable style and consistency in their performances.
The transition to Hayes’ leadership cannot come soon enough for the players. While they have displayed equanimity during the period without a head coach, they acknowledge that it has not been ideal. The communication has been limited, and players often feel like they are constantly being scouted. Simplifying the chain of communication through Kilgore makes sense, but it also keeps Hayes at a distance from the players. It will take time for Hayes to integrate within the locker room, earn the team’s trust, and understand how to manage the diverse personalities.
The U.S. women’s national team has showcased their ability to press aggressively and control the game off of defense. Their high press has been effective in regaining the ball and creating scoring opportunities. However, their performances have varied, as seen in the different approaches against Japan and Canada during the SheBelieves Cup. Adjustments were made in the second half of the Canada game, demonstrating that the team is at their best when their young attackers are allowed to pursue goals.
Kilgore praised the players for dealing with uncertainty while striving to make the Olympic roster, win competitions, and adapt to new players while saying goodbye to longtime players. The team has had limited time to recover from the World Cup before diving into the Olympics preparations. Under Kilgore’s leadership, players like Jaedyn Shaw and Olivia Moultrie have developed, and future prospects like Lily Yohannes and Gisele Thompson have been identified.
Overall, the USWNT has made significant progress under Kilgore’s guidance. They have a plan of attack that has proven successful and have experienced various scenarios and combinations of players. Despite Hayes’ limited time before the Olympics, there is optimism that she can build upon the team’s progress and create a cohesive and successful unit.
As Emma Hayes awaits her arrival as head coach, the USWNT can look forward to a new era filled with stability, direction, and a renewed sense of purpose. The team has triumphed amid uncertainty, and their journey continues towards Olympic greatness.