Coffey Leads the Way as USWNT Wraps Camp with Statement Win
- Caroline Hood
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
The U.S. Women’s National Team closed out its June–July camp on a high note in front of a sold out crowd with a convincing 3–0 win over Canada in Washington, D.C. Emma Hayes rolled out the same starting XI that opened the first friendly against Ireland, with one adjustment, Lynn Biyendolo replaced Ally Sentnor up top. The lineup choices spoke to Hayes’ focus on evaluating consistency, chemistry, and overall rhythm.
The opening stages of the match were about finding that rhythm and control throughout the field. Canada came out aggressively with a high press and plenty of momentum, forcing the U.S. to face the early pressure and find their flow. As she has throughout this camp, Biyendolo played a big role in the early minutes, stretching Canada’s back line and offering immediate pace and vertical threat in the final third.
The breakthrough for the US came in the 17th minute off a set piece. Rose Lavelle served a perfectly placed ball into the center of the box, where Avery Patterson brought it down. Both Patterson and Sam Coffey had a foot on it, but it was Coffey who made the final touch, driving the ball into the back of the net to give the U.S. the early lead.
Not long after, they doubled their advantage, this time in the 36th minute, and again from a set ball. Lavelle set up the corner, curving the ball up into the box. Claire Hutton rose to meet it, heading it down and in for her first-ever international goal. The U.S. has struggled in recent months with set pieces, but seeing two executed so sharply in one half marked a clear improvement.
Coffey and Hutton continued to shine as a midfield duo, using sharp off-the-ball movement and natural chemistry to really dictate tempo and carve out space. Their presence consistently opened up the final third, forcing Canada to stay on the defensive and the back foot throughout the first half.
Defensively in the first half, Hayes pointed to the left side of the back line as an area for growth. Lily Reale, starting at left back, was asked to stay deeper and maintain structure rather than push forward. Hayes has repeatedly emphasized the need to build more fluidly through that side, particularly in sync with Naomi Girma’s distribution and positioning.
The second half saw a slight dip in tempo as the heat took its toll, but the U.S. remained in control. Canada managed a few dangerous moments, but the midfield and back line held firm and continued to dictate possession. In the 80th minute, Coffey delivered another brilliant ballinto the box, and Biyendolo nearly put it away, her shot hitting off the crossbar. Just four minutes later, Coffey had another promising look on goal, but Canadian keeper Kailen Sheridan came up
with the stop.
The third and final goal came in the 89th minute and showcased the team’s depth. Tara McKeon, subbed in just minutes earlier, sent a driven cross into the box. Yazmeen Ryan took a calm touch, pulled her defender off the line, and tucked the ball home with composure, sealing the 3–0 win.
In goal, Claudia Dickey recorded another clean sheet. Though she wasn’t challenged as much as Hayes may have hoped, she made confident saves when needed and communicated effectively with her back line. Avery Patterson continued to stand out on the right, where much of the U.S. attack flowed, while Michelle Cooper contributed strong pressing moments and solid buildup
play.
One of the most important notes of this camp has been the leadership from veterans across the field. Emily Sonnett’s vocal presence and ability to organize from the back continue to shine, while Naomi Girma has continued to solidify that backline and make it difficult for the attack. Further upfield, Lavelle, still not fully at 100%, continued to display her ability to change the game with just one touch, providing another assist tonight and guiding that midfield.
Looking ahead, Hayes will now face the challenge of narrowing down her player pool. The next FIFA window in October will likely mark the start of more consistent call-ups, a difficult task considering the depth on display throughout these three matches, even without the inclusion of Triple Espresso or the European-based players.
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