USWNT Prepares for Italy Friendlies with Key Players Returning

omidbasir- The backline of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) has recently been missing a crucial element: Naomi Girma.

“I’m very excited to be here. I’m happy to be back on the pitch, and we’ve had two good games, so I’m looking forward to it,” Girma expressed during a pre-match press conference.

While the defense has not been catastrophic, the lack of experience has been evident, particularly in the match against Portugal. The USWNT had not previously conceded to Portugal until their last encounter, which resulted in a surprising defeat characterized by two goals from set pieces. The team quickly regrouped in the rematch, dominating New Zealand, but the defensive inconsistencies have raised concerns for a program that takes pride in its defensive stability.

With Girma sidelined, Coach Emma Hayes has had to rely on various center-back pairings: occasionally Emily Sonnett and Tara McKeown, and at other times Jordyn Bugg and Emily Sams. However, for the first match against Italy, Girma is expected to return to the starting lineup as she has fully recovered. Her excitement is palpable; a recent U.S. Soccer camp video showcased her joyfully celebrating being “first down for breakfast,” highlighting her eagerness to rejoin the team.

The midfield of the USWNT is exceptionally strong, featuring veterans like Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps alongside emerging talents such as Lily Yohannes and Claire Hutton. Hayes faces a challenging decision in selecting her starting trio. Beyond these four, reliable midfielder Sam Coffey and recent call-ups Jaelin Howell and Croiz Bethune add further depth to the squad.

Historically, the midfield has been crucial to the USWNT’s gameplay, typically combining a defensive-minded midfielder with two creative players adept at orchestrating plays.

Fresh from scoring the game-winning goal in the NWSL Championship against the Washington Spirit, Lavelle was all smiles as she addressed reporters. “I’m happy to be back in camp; it’s always fun when we can be together,” she said.

Regardless of who plays in midfield, the lineup will undoubtedly be solid, with Hayes likely experimenting with two different formations against Italy to assess various combinations and rotations.

Howell, who hasn’t been called up to the senior team in over three years, was pivotal in Gotham FC’s championship run, which clearly caught Hayes’ attention. Another notable return is Bethune, who has successfully navigated a long recovery from a knee injury sustained last year.

While the ‘Triple Espresso’ trio of Sophia Wilson, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman may still be working their way back, a formidable new trio is set to impact the squad: Girma, Catarina Macario, and Alyssa Thompson, all hailing from Chelsea FC. Each player holds significant responsibilities within the USWNT: Girma anchors the defense, Macario excels as a strong ball handler in the No.9 position, and Thompson is a daring attacking winger.

It is highly likely that all three will feature together in the upcoming friendlies, showcasing the talent that stems from Chelsea. Additionally, three other players from the roster are currently competing professionally overseas. Heaps and Yohannes play for OL Lyonnes in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, while Emily Fox represents Arsenal FC, marking the fourth U.S. player competing in England.

The competition for the No. 1 goalkeeper position has intensified following the retirement of long-time USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher earlier this year. Since then, Hayes has evaluated numerous candidates, including standout Jane Campbell from Houston Dash, North Carolina Courage’s Casey Murphy, and Manchester United’s Phallon Tullis-Joyce, among others.

For this camp, Hayes has opted for familiar faces Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey, while introducing newcomer Jordan Silkowitz, who is on her second international call-up after participating in a summer tour with the U-23s. Silkowitz, who had a notable season with Bay FC in the NWSL, is eager to gain experience and contribute to the senior team.

Hayes indicated that she is likely to rely on the same three goalkeepers—Dickey, Tullis-Joyce, and McGlynn—who played against Portugal. Silkowitz’s role will be to gain experience and challenge the established trio for the top position.

Could this be Hayes’ final evaluation before making decisions for the 2027 World Cup? While that may be premature, these friendlies will provide her with valuable insight into the available talent and help strengthen the team’s cohesion amidst ongoing roster changes.

Since taking on the role of head coach, Hayes has committed to establishing the ‘WNT way’—a framework driven by women to win, lead, and set a standard in the global game through a distinctly female perspective. The upcoming matches against Italy will serve as both a test and an opportunity for her to refine her squad and define how she envisions the team’s performance heading into 2026.