USWNT Suffers Shocking Defeat to Portugal
CHESTER, Pa. — The head coach of the U.S. women’s national soccer team, Emma Hayes, expressed her frustration after witnessing her team’s unexpected 2-1 loss to Portugal at Subaru Park. Hayes, visibly agitated, emphatically pounded the table while discussing the match.
“I felt like I was playing Whac-A-Mole,” Hayes explained, trying to convey the challenges she faced as a coach during the game. “Every time I addressed one issue, another would pop up. I really dislike matches like this.”
Portugal capitalized on corner kicks for both of their goals. “No coach enjoys conceding set pieces,” Hayes humorously remarked as she concluded the press conference, eliciting laughs from the room. The U.S. struggled both in maintaining possession and coordinating their movements against a well-structured Portuguese side.
Midfielder Rose Lavelle, who managed to score just 35 seconds into the match, described the team’s performance as lacking cohesion. “It felt very individual,” she noted. Captained by Lindsey Heaps, the squad struggled to collaborate, with players appearing isolated on the field.
This performance recalled memories of the previous World Cup, where the USWNT narrowly held on for a draw against Portugal due to a late intervention from the goalpost. Alarmingly, this match was also marked by a malfunctioning sprinkler system, which foreshadowed their subsequent disappointing exit from the tournament at the hands of Sweden.
Although Hayes was disappointed with Thursday’s showing, she refused to panic about the situation. “As a conductor would say, ‘Let it go,’” she indicated, waving her hand dismissively.
The defeat marked only the third time in the team’s 40-year history that the USWNT has lost three matches in a calendar year. They have never lost four matches in a year.
Portugal controlled 60% of the first-half possession thanks to their diamond midfield setup, frequently exploiting gaps left by the U.S. Despite this, Portugal struggled to finish their chances consistently.
Defensive issues compounded the U.S. struggles, with Hayes noting missed tackles and lost battles across the pitch. Portugal’s equalizer came from Diana Gomes, who outjumped multiple defenders to score just before halftime, while Fátima Pinto secured the victory with a goal that resulted from a corner kick that the Americans failed to clear.
“There were errors all over the field,” said midfielder Sam Coffey. “We won’t make excuses like lack of practice time or youth. The standard for this team is to acknowledge when we don’t perform well; we must uphold the expectations that come with wearing the crest.”
Thursday’s defeat to an unranked team was a timely reminder of the importance of respect, as Hayes previously cautioned her players about underestimating Portugal.
The biggest takeaway wasn’t just the defeat but the overall disorganized performance and the reliance on individual efforts to solve problems. This mirrored the previous World Cup encounter with Portugal.
“Let’s not revisit that match,” Heaps said lightheartedly after the game.
Fortunately for the USWNT, this lackluster performance is not typical under Hayes’s leadership. Since taking charge before the 2024 Olympics, she led the team to a gold medal and has restructured the program, giving 24 players their first caps during her initial 24 matches.
Heaps maintained a positive outlook despite Thursday’s outcome, emphasizing that their focus should remain constructive. This game wasn’t a World Cup fixture, but rather the inaugural match for this team as they prepare for next year’s qualifying round.
“It was a rough performance, but it does not spell doom,” Hayes stated. “This is just football. We need to improve, and I assure you we will — we must.”
A rematch against Portugal is scheduled for Sunday in East Hartford, Connecticut, with goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce declaring, “We’re definitely aiming for revenge.”
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