The U.S. women's national team head coach Emma Hayes expanded the player pool in her first games post-Olympic success in October. The program recently celebrated its 2024 Paris Olympic gold medal victory during a three-match international window, beating Iceland twice and Argentina once. Several players from the Olympic roster were named to the 26-player training camp with plenty of newcomers in the mix.
Hayes described the trio of friendlies as an opportunity to celebrate and experiment with rotations and tactics. Several players made their debut, scored their first international goals, or, in some cases, achieved both. Defender Naomi Girma keeps evolving as one of the best players in the world, and the center back added goal scorer to her resume in recent friendlies. While Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson treated everyone to a "double-espresso" this window, how did non-starters fare?
There are just two games left in the calendar year and with a two-game series scheduled in Europe (Nov. 30 at Engand and Dec. 3 at the Netherlands), who are the players that made a case for more future call-ups into USWNT camps?
Let's take a look at some players who had breakout moments during the October international window and could be locks for a trip to Europe:
Goalkeepers
Casey Murphy: Murphy has patiently been in the mix as the squad's de facto backup keeper, typically starting a game here and there in the build up to major international tournaments, while she keeps steadfast gloved hand in goal for North Carolina Courage in NWSL. She started the USWNT's second game against Iceland, and faced four shots, with three on target.
She had snafu on a set piece, but sometimes there's not much one can do but tip their hat to a player that nails an Olympico from the corner flag. Her response afterward helped set the defense up for success and showed a strong mental shift against a formidable Iceland side.
Defenders
Emily Sams: The Orlando Pride defender won a gold medal with the USWNT despite not playing a single minute for the team before, or during, the Olympics. Sams earned her place on an Olympic gameday roster in place of an injured Tierna Davidson and reminded everyone against Iceland why she belongs in the defender pool moving forward. Sams had provided connectivity through her passing, had excellent positioning throughout her shift, and provided secure coverage whenever her centerback partner Emily Sonnet stepped into challenges.
Jenna Nighswonger: While Nighswonger fell into more of a depth role during the Olympics to Crystal Dunn, there's little doubt that she's an outside back of the future for the player pool. The NJ/NY Gotham FC player is unafraid to get involved in attacks or finish them, and Nighswonger's confidence grows with each national team appearance. She's claimed a space in the left back pool but is clearly comfortable higher if needed.
Midfielders
Hal Hershfelt: There hasn't quite been a midfielder to bring the crunch in the defensive mid position since Julie Ertz. Only in her rookie season with Washington Spirit, Hershfelt's minutes over two matches got audiences reminiscing about a time when opposing teams feared playing through the USWNT middle third. It was a good introduction to the national team and maybe enough for more looks in the future.
Forwards
Alyssa Thompson: After seeing just 17 minutes in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, injury and form kept her from cracking the USWNT Olympic roster. Instead of staying stagnant, the 19-year-old is in good form for Angel City FC and showed that she can translate her skill from the club to the national stage as well. She stole the show during the USWNT's first game against Iceland as she cut up defenders and scored a goal.
Emma Sears: The Racing Louisville attacker scored a goal and delivered an assist in her debut against Iceland. She played up to the moment and wasn't intimidated by the crest, and while playing against Argentina, she took defenders one-on-one and whipped in crosses. A healthy does of fearless play is a good thing on the national team.
Want to see more of
Ashley Sanchez: After zero minutes in the 2023 World Cup, a trade to a new club team, and missing out on the Olympic roster, Sanchez returns to the national team. The midfielder's stellar club play with North Carolina Courage earned her a call back and had good movement in her one game against Argentina. She really elevated once Swanson and Krueger subbed in and it felt like maybe one more international match and we'd see a goal or assist. It left audiences wanting more and hopefully, we see it.
Alyssa Malonson: She's become an essential player with Bay FC this year as her club push for the playoffs. Her efforts earned her a USWNT camp-up nut needed some time to grow into the game in her debut against Argentina. She has a huge celiing and showed she can turn on the juice, and eventually got more comfortable into her debut. She delivered an assist on one of Girma's goal.
