The U.S. women’s national team got off to an exciting start at the 10th annual SheBelieves Cup. The USWNT defeated Colombia, 2-0, on Thursday night with goals by Catarina Macario and Ally Sentnor. The program is on the hunt for a sixth consecutive title, a potential eighth overall, and is doing it without several cornerstone players on the roster.
Hayes’ 23-player roster is a healthy mix of 2024 Olympians, NWSL players in preseason form, Americans playing abroad in Europe, and uncapped players with limited international experience. Injury, form, and commitments have kept out key starters this tournament.
There is no “Triple Espresso” attacking line with Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, or Sophia Wilson. Rose Lavelle is recovering from ankle surgery, and Naomi Girlma is managing a calf injury.
So how did a roster with potential “depth” players fair in game one of the SheBelieves Cup?
A budding midfielder
It was 17-year-old Lily Yohannes who stole the show in the middle third for the USWNT against Colombia. Starting alongside team captain Lindsey Heaps and Sam Coffey, the coaching staff has largely preached patience when it comes to developing Yohannes. She’s grown her game in the Netherlands playing…
