Commerce City, Colorado – U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes made her debut with a victory as Mallory Swanson and Tierna Davison each scored twice, leading the team to a 4-0 win over South Korea in front of 19,010 fans on Saturday. Hayes praised the team’s performance, highlighting their adherence to structures and coaching instructions.
Swanson, scoring her first goals for the USWNT since a previous injury, showcased her resilience and talent on the field. Davison, on the other hand, recorded her second and third international career goals during the match.
Under Hayes’ leadership, the USWNT fielded the youngest starting XI since April 2022, emphasizing a mix of youth and experience with an average age of 25.5 years per player and 45 international appearances on average.
Hayes shared a personal anecdote about recruiting Swanson years ago, demonstrating the long-standing relationship between player and coach that culminated in Swanson’s goal during the match. Swanson’s performance, especially after recovering from a knee injury, showcased her determination and skill on the field.
Davison also had a standout game, scoring her first brace for the USWNT. Her goals came from headers on corner kicks, highlighting her prowess in set-piece situations and contributing to the team’s strong performance.
In addition to on-field success, the USWNT embraced Pride Month by wearing rainbow-themed numbers on their jerseys to support the LGBTQ+ community. This partnership with LGBTQ+ charity You Can Play Project underscored the team’s commitment to inclusivity and respect.
Despite a moment of controversy involving midfielder Albert and her past social media behavior, the team remained focused on creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all players. Hayes emphasized the importance of education and respect within the team, ensuring that all players feel valued and supported.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Olympics, Hayes has emphasized player versatility and creativity, testing different lineups and strategies in preparation for the tournament. The team’s strong performance against South Korea sets a positive tone for their upcoming challenges and goals.