Unstoppable! That's the word for Cat Macario, who's on fire and leading the USWNT to victory. But here's where it gets controversial: Alyssa Thompson, a usual standout, struggled to make an impact in these recent friendlies. Let's dive into the details and explore the rising and falling stocks of these talented players.
The USWNT's Unstoppable Force: Cat Macario
Cat Macario is on a roll, and her return to peak form is nothing short of remarkable. With eight goals this year, she's the USWNT's top scorer, and her performance against Italy was electric. Macario's finishing ability is top-notch, and her teammates, like Lily Yohannes, recognize this. Yohannes said, "If Cat gets the ball in front of goal, it's a goal 10 times out of 10." Macario's presence and confidence are palpable, and she's embracing her role as a key player.
Alyssa Thompson's Momentary Dip
Alyssa Thompson, a consistent performer, had a quieter time against Italy. While she still showed flashes of her dynamic play, she struggled to find her usual rhythm. Thompson's best moments often come when she cuts inside and takes on defenders, but those opportunities were limited. With Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith returning, the competition in the front line is heating up. Thompson needs to lean into her unique style to stand out in a crowded field.
Rose Lavelle: A Veteran Presence
Rose Lavelle, the Championship MVP, made an impact in just one of the Italy matches. Despite the quick turnaround, she dominated midfield and set the tone early. Lavelle's soccer IQ is unmatched; she finds spaces others can't and combines passes with precision. With 27 assists in her USWNT career, she's a veteran presence and a key figure in the team's journey to the 2027 World Cup.
Emma Sears: Work Rate Unmatched, But...
Emma Sears, the Racing Louisville forward, didn't quite replicate her earlier USWNT success. Her work rate is exceptional, but on this occasion, her timing was slightly off. Sears remains a valuable option for head coach Emma Hayes, especially as a spark off the bench during long tournaments. However, with fierce competition for wide attacking spots, she needs to produce more consistently to strengthen her case.
Lily Yohannes: Maturity Beyond Her Years
Lily Yohannes, just 18, displays maturity well beyond her age. Her teammates and coaches recognize this, and fans have taken notice. Yohannes has already recorded two assists for the USWNT, both to Cat Macario. Head coach Hayes praised Yohannes' potential but also highlighted areas for growth, particularly in defense. If Yohannes continues to develop, she could become another world-class player for the USWNT. Hayes said, "She's a willing student, and her commitment to growth will accelerate her learning."
Jaedyn Shaw: A Rollercoaster Year, But Back on Track
Jaedyn Shaw's year has been a rollercoaster, but she's back with a bang. Shaw scored a stunning goal against Italy, a screamer from the edge of the box. Her confidence and decisiveness are back, and head coach Hayes praised her growth, especially her ability to play a full 90 minutes. Shaw's defensive work rate also stood out to Hayes.
Sam Coffey: A Memorable Absence
Sam Coffey, a lights-out midfielder, only played in one of the Italy matches and, despite her assist, didn't leave a lasting impression. Coffey's evolution as a more attacking-minded player is notable, but with an elite midfielder pool, every game is a test. Her assist was a bright spot, but it was only her second career assist.
Claire Hutton: Playing Beyond Her Years
Claire Hutton, the Kansas City midfielder, is a defensive anchor with an offensive mindset. At just 19, she plays with the wisdom of a veteran. Hutton's ability to maintain possession and link the lines is exceptional. When she plays alongside Heaps and Yohannes, the midfield is virtually untouchable. Hutton's ceiling is limitless, just like Yohannes'.
So, what do you think? Are these stock evaluations accurate? Who do you think will rise to the top in the coming year? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions for the USWNT's future!
