Emma Hayes Prioritizes Rest for Key USWNT Players
The coach of the United States women’s national soccer team, Emma Hayes, has announced that she will call up a team composed almost exclusively of players from the domestic league for the next training camp. This decision seeks to prioritize the rest of the soccer players who play in Europe, after a long club season. The only exception will be defender and vice-captain Naomi Girma, who recently returned to the USWNT after recovering from a calf injury. Hayes highlighted the importance of this break, being the only opportunity before the World Cup in two years.The USWNT will face Ireland in Denver and Cincinnati in late June, followed by a match against Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. In their most recent friendlies, Hayes’ team defeated China 3-0 and Jamaica 4-0. The decision to give the players a rest was made in collaboration with the USWNT’s performance and medical teams, considering the number of minutes played since the 2023 World Cup and last year’s Olympic Games. Hayes explained that the players competing in Europe do not have a proper pre-season due to the tight schedule. The coach emphasized that this measure is in the best interest of the players. In the most recent call-up, there were seven players who play in Europe, including captain Lindsey Horan, who plays for Olympique Lyonnais. Hayes mentioned Emily Fox as an example, who participated in Arsenal’s victory in the UEFA Women’s Champions League before joining the USWNT training camp. Most of the players called up for the next training camp will come from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The NWSL season ends in late November, allowing players to have some time off in December and January. Rose Lavelle, after ankle surgery, could be part of the team. Hayes expressed his hope that Lavelle will join the camp, highlighting her importance to the team.This is the first opportunity, and the only one, for them to rest between now and the World Cup in two years. The well-being of the players, rest and recovery are also important.
Emma Hayes
Trinity Rodman, who scored three goals in last year’s Olympic Games, will not be ready for the upcoming matches, but Hayes expects her return to the NWSL’s Washington Spirit “sometime in July”. Rodman has been dealing with back problems that have kept her out of most of the USWNT’s training sessions since the Olympics. Hayes added that she is not focused on whether it is better for her players to compete in Europe or the United States. However, she has expressed her concern about the need to improve collaboration in the scheduling of matches. Hayes, who previously led Chelsea to seven English league titles, noted that it is a continuous balance between the club and the national team. Part of the solution is to increase the size of the squads. The decision to rest the players who play in Europe is part of that equation. Hayes concluded that, although there are more parties than ever, it is necessary to work together to ensure success.I really hope you are with us at the camp. We miss your experience and are looking forward to your return.
Emma Hayes
