The USWNT officially kicks off the Emma Hayes era in style this weekend, going up against South Korea in the first of two pre-Olympic friendlies.
The matches will serve as the final two opportunities to impress before Hayes names her 18-player roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics. After formally taking over late last week, the ex-Chelsea coach has gotten nothing but praise from the American side.
“Anyone in the soccer world knows Emma Hayes,” forward Sophia Smith told reporters at USWNT training camp. “She’s a legend and her resume speaks for itself. We all just trust her. Obviously trust is something you build. What she’s done for the game and for the sport, we all trust her and are excited about her. I’m sure we’ll learn a lot in the next week. We already have learned a lot in the first few days.”
Of course, the USWNT has carried a chip on their shoulder following a disappointing World Cup last year. And as they look to the Olympics, Smith says it’s a good thing that the team is operating that way.
“If a team going into the Olympics doesn’t have a chip on their shoulder, there’s a problem there,” Smith continued. “This team for so many years has set the standard, has been the best in the world,…
