The U.S. women’s national team (USWNT) showcased a powerful performance, defeating Chile 5-0 on January 24, 2024, in Santa Barbara, California. This match marked a significant moment for several players, with Croix Bethune scoring her first international goal and Ayo Oke providing her first assist. The victory concludes what head coach Emma Hayes termed the final experimental window for the team before focusing on preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.
Bethune opened the scoring after 18 minutes, skillfully maneuvering past Chile’s goalkeeper following a through ball from Oke. Just eight minutes later, Jameese Joseph added another goal, demonstrating her prowess by evading a defender and firing a powerful shot into the net. First-time captain Emily Sams also made her mark by scoring her inaugural goal for the national team, further highlighting the night’s significance for the players involved.
The USWNT’s dominance continued in the second half, with goals from Emma Sears and Trinity Rodman, solidifying the team’s commanding victory. Hayes emphasized that this match was a key opportunity to assess emerging talent, as she prepares to narrow down her squad for future competitions. “This has certainly opened up the year with what we’ve identified as the key themes to take us through to World Cup qualification,” Hayes stated.
The January window was characterized by a focus on development, as Hayes fielded one of the least experienced starting line-ups in the team’s history, averaging just 5.2 caps per player. The team faced limitations due to the timing of these matches outside the FIFA window, resulting in the absence of several regular players from European clubs. The squad primarily consisted of players from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), with the exception of those from Gotham FC, who were competing in London.
Looking ahead, Hayes indicated that her rosters for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup in March and three friendlies against Japan in April will more accurately reflect the core group she envisions for the World Cup qualifiers. She noted that between six to eight players from this January window are contenders for future selection, underscoring the importance of these matches in shaping the team’s future.
Throughout the two-match window, seven different players found the net, and every half featured a different starting XI, allowing for equal opportunity on the pitch. Standout performances came from Bethune, Joseph, and Sams, with Oke playing a pivotal role in energizing the team’s offense. “It’s been the best camp I’ve seen from Croix in terms of her approach, her application,” Hayes remarked, highlighting Bethune’s potential as a key player moving forward.
Bethune, who was named the 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Year, had previously recorded her first goal contribution for the U.S. in the earlier match against Paraguay, where she assisted Sears. Her determination to score was evident in the match against Chile. Sears, who led American scorers in the NWSL last year, continued to impress with her strength and scoring ability, netting a goal within the first minute of the second half.
Rodman, making a notable return to the international stage, scored a remarkable goal just five minutes after entering the match as a substitute. Her infectious celebration included the viral “Sexy Dexy” dance, which she performed alongside Hayes, adding a light-hearted moment to the team’s success.
As Hayes evaluates player placements within the long-term framework of the program, she noted that those who do not make the core group for 2027 could still have opportunities for the 2028 Olympics or the 2031 World Cup. “It’s doing two or three things all at once, but that’s what development is,” she explained.
This final experimental window marks a pivotal transition for the USWNT under Hayes’ leadership since taking over in 2024. The establishment of a comprehensive under-23 program has provided a developmental pathway for younger players to integrate seamlessly into the senior team. Hayes praised the efforts of Maddie Dahlien, Riley Jackson, Joseph, and 19-year-old Jordyn Bugg, who have embraced the team’s playing philosophy.
“This was the aim of our U23 program, and I think it’s paying dividends,” Hayes concluded, as the USWNT looks ahead to a promising future on the world stage.
