The top-ranked USWNT will play their third and final friendly of the October international break against world No. 33 Argentina in Louisville on Wednesday night — likely with few new faces in the mix.
Head coach Emma Hayes told reporters that she will not play anyone with a regular-season NWSL match scheduled for Friday except Rose Lavelle, who will celebrate her 100th USWNT cap in Wednesday’s pre-match ceremony.
“This was the game [Lavelle] chose and for that reason she’s starting,” explained Hayes. “I’ll probably only play Rose for 45 minutes just because I know how important and valuable she is for Gotham.”
Lavelle, a Cincinnati product, likely picked Wednesday’s friendly for her celebration due to Louisville’s close proximity to her hometown.
Resting veterans means more minutes for USWNT newcomers
Coming off two productive 3-1 wins over No. 13 Iceland, fitness is front-of-mind for Hayes with NWSL playoffs approaching and the European season — where four of this camp’s athletes play — in full swing.
“I presented to the [club] head…