Photo Copyright Matt Krohn for USA TODAY Sports
New U.S. women’s national team coach Emma Hayes continued her successful experimentation on Tuesday in Saint Paul, Minn., starting nine different players in the squad’s 3-0 win over Korea Republic than in the pair’s opening match on Saturday. The only players to start both friendlies were defender Jenna Nighswonger and captain Lindsey Horan. The changeup, however dramatic, is all part of the former Chelsea boss’ plan. And even more changes throughout the match were ultimately what secured the dominant victory.
Speaking to media Monday, Hayes said she viewed Tuesday’s match was an opportunity for her to continue evaluating players before she names a roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will have to do in the coming weeks. Toying with the lineup was an “important” part of that process, particularly seeing that the Games start next month.
“We need a squad to select first in the Olympics, so I need to know where everybody’s at in terms of their understanding,…
