The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) concluded its January training camp with a decisive 5-0 victory over Chile in Santa Barbara, California. The match marked an important milestone for several players, with first-time goals from Croix Bethune, Jameese Joseph, and Emily Sams, as head coach Emma Hayes transitions the team into a more focused preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
Bethune opened the scoring in the 18th minute, skillfully maneuvering past Chile’s goalkeeper after receiving a well-placed through ball from Ayo Oke. This goal was particularly significant as it represented both Bethune’s first career goal for the national team and Oke’s inaugural international assist. The momentum continued with Joseph scoring just eight minutes later, displaying her prowess by rolling past a defender and firing an impressive shot into the net. In the first half’s closing moments, Sams, stepping up as captain for the first time, added another goal, capping a remarkable start for the USWNT.
The second half saw further contributions from Emma Sears and Trinity Rodman, bringing the total to five goals and solidifying the team’s dominance throughout the match. Hayes remarked on the significance of this victory, stating, “This has certainly opened up the year with what we’ve identified as the key themes to take us through to World Cup qualification.”
This training camp was particularly experimental, with Hayes fielding one of the least experienced starting line-ups in recent history. The average number of caps per player in the match against Chile was only 5.2, while the preceding match against Paraguay saw even fewer experiences, averaging below 10 caps. Due to the timing outside of typical FIFA windows, many regular players from European clubs were unavailable, resulting in a squad that primarily featured players from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
As the USWNT prepares for the SheBelieves Cup in March and a series of friendlies against Japan in April, Hayes indicated that these upcoming rosters would more closely reflect her vision for the team’s core going forward. She suggested that between six to eight players from this January window could be considered for future competitions, including the World Cup qualifiers later this year.
The two-match window allowed for a diverse range of players to showcase their skills, with seven different players scoring across both matches and a unique starting XI for each half. Hayes emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for all players to contribute, noting standout performances from Bethune, Joseph, and Sams.
Hayes praised Bethune’s development, stating, “It’s been the best camp I’ve seen from Croix in terms of her approach, her application. She’s quick, she’s clever… I can feel that Croix is going to take another level in her game.” This sentiment was echoed by the contributions of Sears, who was the top American scorer in the NWSL last year and proved her value by scoring within the first minute of the second half.
Rodman, returning to the international stage, made a significant impact after coming off the bench in the 63rd minute. With just five minutes on the field, she scored a breathtaking goal, assisted by debutant Riley Jackson, and celebrated with her trademark dance, bringing energy and excitement back to the squad.
Hayes’ assessment of this experimental window extends beyond immediate performance. She is strategically identifying players who may fill pivotal roles not just for the 2027 World Cup but also for the 2028 Olympics and the 2031 World Cup. “It’s doing two or three things all at once,” Hayes said, emphasizing the dual focus on immediate results and long-term development.
The conclusion of this January camp signifies a pivotal moment for the USWNT under Hayes. Since her appointment in 2024, the team has developed a structured pathway for younger players, enabling seamless integration into the senior squad. Hayes highlighted the successful transition of several players, including Maddie Dahlien, Jackson, Joseph, and 19-year-old Jordyn Bugg, showcasing the effectiveness of the under-23 program.
With this dominant victory, the USWNT not only wrapped up its January window on a high note but also set a clear direction as it moves forward, both in terms of player development and competitive readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.
