The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) head coach, Emma Hayes, has released her 24-player team training roster leading up to the April doubleheader against Brazil on April 5 and April 8. The most notable return are Southern California natives Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson. Hayes is banking on drawing large crowds with the talents of the local favorites. Despite where these women grew up, their abilities as forwards will be tested against the perennial contenders of the Women’s Brazilian National Team. 

Hayes has decided on a well-tested strategy of a mix of up-and-coming talent and tried and tested veterans for their doubleheader against Brazil. Stating that “All of the players know they have to earn every roster spot, every starting spot, and every minute they get as a finisher off the bench. Working with players who are striving for consistency in elite performance, so they can keep getting call-ups and keep excelling at this level”.

Emma Hayes has earned the loyalty of the very loud and verbose USWNT fanbase with her locker room culture shift, resulting in Olympic gold. One thing is clear: the selection of Rodman and Thompson is a reiteration of the aggressive style of play Hayes is known for.

Tried And Tested Trinity

Trinity Rodman, a veteran of international play, has not participated in the past four USWNT training camps. Due to a reoccurring back injury, she has not started a match for the United States since the gold medal run in the 2024 Olympics in France. Rodman returned to the pitch for the current reigning NWSL Challenge Cup Champions, the Washington Spirit, on Friday, March 14, in the 67th minute against the Houston Dash.

While her play was limited, there is no denying she is a crowd favorite and helped maintain the attack for the final 20 minutes of the 2-1 victory. If Rodman earns a starting role—and there is little double, she won’t—expect some salty language, big-moment fireworks, and her trademark pink locks flowing behind her on the field.

Alyssa’s Building Momentum

Alyssa Thompson, also a Southern California native, has been called up for the international friendlies two years running.  While Thompson is known for her fast-paced play and top-shelf bangers up top, she hasn’t had firecracker viral moments like Rodman.  Though Thompson is a more subdued player, she is beginning to grow in confidence and skill while stacking up international caps.

Thompson burst onto the NWSL scene as a teenage phenome in 2023 as the first overall draft pick for Angle City FC while still in high school. Despite having two years under her belt, Thompson hasn’t had breakout moments like Rodman on the international stage. While Thompson and Rodman have played together in the attacking third for the USWNT, their chemistry has been hit-and-miss.  Here’s hoping training camp brings team building and unity of thought for the attacking third.                               

Hayes’ Triple Down To One

Hayes saw great success from the “triple espresso” of Mallory Swanson, Sophie Smith, and Trinity Rodman during the 2024 Summer Olympics. Both Swanson and Smith are notably missing from the call-up this April. Hayes has not directly commented upon the absence of Swanson and Smith. It can be noted that Smith is expecting her first child, and Swanson’s history of injury may be the cause of the triple espresso being down to one. Regardless of missing stars on the roster, the Brazil friendlies results will be an indicator of Hayes’ progression with the USWNT.

Hayes will pick 23 to represent their country for both matches. The Saturday, April 5 (5 p.m. E.T./2p.m. P.T.) game, taking place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, can be viewed on TNT, truTv, Max, Universo & Peacock. The USWNT will travel to PayPal Park in San Jose to take Brazil on again Tuesday, April 8 (7:30 p.m. PT / 10:30 p.m. ET) on TBS, Max, Universo & Peacock. 

USWNT by Position– April Matches vs. Brazil

GOALKEEPERS (3): Jane Campbell, Mandy McGlynn, Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

DEFENDERS (8): Alana Cook, Tierna Davidson, Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox, Tara McKeown, Avery Patterson, Emily Sams, Emily Sonnett.

MIDFIELDERS (6): Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Heaps, Claire Hutton, Jaedyn Shaw, Lily Yohannes.

FORWARDS (7): Michelle Cooper, Ashley Hatch, Catarina Macario, Trinity Rodman, Yazmeen Ryan, Ally Sentnor, Alyssa Thompson. 

End Of My USWNT Rant

The current roster of USWNT has big shoes to fill. Key players are missing from the roster, from keeper to striker, which makes any die-hard fan a bit nervous. Emma Hayes has proven her metal in England and international play. I know these matches coming up are friendlies, preparing the team for the World Cup qualifiers much further down the road. But with every poor performance, and more and more negative coverage, the causal fan loses interest. I’m holding my breath that the Hayes magic hasn’t worn off with this new squad.

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