With the 2024 Olympic Games on the immediate horizon, the United States Women’s National Team lined up for the first of two friendlies, taking on CONCACAF rivals Mexico at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. Only a few months into her tenure, there was some curiosity as to how much former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes could reasonably improve the squad after a few years of meandering play, against an opponent that beguiled the squad in February. The 1-0 victory provides a measured sense of assurance but indicates that there is still a long journey ahead for this young group before ascending back to the world-beating level of past generations.
After a brief defensive moment to start the match, the USWNT stepped into the driver’s seat and generated a series of opportunities. However, a fast and physical Mexico responded with a high press and thwarted many attempts to play out of the back. In the first stage, neither side was able to find the final quality to finish or truly challenge the goalkeepers.
Proceedings continued at a frenetic back-and-forth pace. Naomi Girma was the clear standout with several crucial defensive intercessions and long balls that generated attacking opportunities. However, the USWNT failed to convert a few seemingly clear chances, notably Sophia Smith pushing the ball wide of an empty net (at an admittedly tight angle) after rounding past opposing goalkeeper Esthefanny Barreras. Mexico, likewise, frustrated and caused issues with the high press, but the match hit 45 minutes in a scoreless draw.
The second half continued along the same tempo and tenor. The USWNT generated the lion’s share of chances, with a Trinity Rodman deflection going just wide and Smith unable to convert while one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Mexico, similarly, pressed and pushed forward on the counter-attack but never found the right combination to break the deadlock.
The USWNT finally got off the mark in the 63rd minute with a cool conversion from Smith. Rose Lavelle started the play with a long ball up the wing to a sprinting Rodman, with possession transferring to Mallory Swanson and then the eventual scorer. After receiving a pass in the top corner of the box, the 20-goal striker took a few touches and fired her shot into the far corner.
The finish deflated the opponents and opened up proceedings, with the USWNT taking complete control over possession. The search for an insurance goal continued and continued but never came. The remaining notable moment was when Olympic alternate Croix Bethune made her senior international debut, almost scoring on a wonderful long-distance finish in her first action.
If there is a major takeaway from this match, it’s how much the USWNT struggled to break down Mexico’s high press. A stronger opponent will not only force more turnovers and prevent counter-attacks but also manage to convert the opportunities generated in dangerous areas. A tactician and tinkerer like Hayes has undoubtedly begun mapping out how to overcome such tactical challenges in the future, likely relying on the wide long balls that bypass multiple lines of defense.
The other issue remains the failure to capitalize on chances, with the young attacking group frivolously wasting multiple opportunities. The ratio of one goal from six shots on target coming out of 17 total shot attempts is far from ideal, and tournament play will likely have narrower margins. Many championship runs have been built off of tight scorelines, but recent USWNT performances can make even a single finish appear to be a struggle.
There is a sense of optimism around this group, glimmers of a giant waiting to reemerge from a brief slumber. The attacking talent continues to grow and coalesce with each passing fixture, now stewarded by one of the world’s top footballing minds. The coming weeks will determine whether this is a championship group or merely a high-potential squad that must wait a few more year to achieve glory.
The USWNT returns to action on Tuesday, July 16th at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, 4:30 p.m. Pacific. Costa Rica will be the opponent at Washington, D.C.’s Audi Field in the final friendly before heading to the Olympic Games.
