From Debuts to Dominance, USWNT Shines in 4-0 Win

The Emma Hayes era continued on Thursday night in Colorado, as a young and reloaded U.S. Women’s National Team delivered a dominant 4–0 win over Ireland. With European-based players taking a break, it was the newcomers and some returning names that stole the show.

Rose Lavelle speaking after the Ireland win (courtesy of US Soccer/Veritone)

The first goal didn’t take long. In the 19th minute, Rose Lavelle, back in the starting lineup after her surgery in December, whipped in a curling right-footed ball off a set piece. Avery Patterson rose to meet it, heading it into the back of the net for her first international goal. 1-0, and the U.S. was off and running.

Despite fielding a less blended backline and handing out three debuts, the U.S. controlled the tempo from the start. The midfield pairing of Sam Coffey and Claire Hutton looked well beyond its years, with Hutton, earning just her fourth cap, showing great physicality and sharp positional awareness throughout.

As the first half drew to a close, the U.S. doubled its lead. This time, it was Coffey on the end of a smooth attacking sequence. After Rose Lavelle and Alyssa Thompson slipped a couple passes through traffic, Coffey took a composed shot past three defenders and slotted it home in stoppage time. 2-0 at the break, with full control.

Just eight minutes into the second half, Ally Sentnor found space wide right and sent a low cross into the box. Lavelle, surging into the box, met it in stride and tucked it into the net—her first goal for the U.S. since returning from injury. Her creativity and pace on and off the ball were phenomenal, making a massive statement about how much she brings to the team, even when she is not yet 100 percent.

And the statement win was sealed in the 63rd minute. Lily Reale, one of three debutants on the night, stepped up and delivered a pinpoint assist to Alyssa Thompson. Thompson broke free and did the rest, blowing by the defenders and finishing with confidence to make it 4-0.

Claudia Dickey, also making her senior debut in goal, was not challenged as much during this game because of the disciplined backline and a pressing midfield. She secured a clean sheet and marked her arrival on the international stage, but it is still important for her to find other ways to prove what she can bring to this team in goal.

This match was never about rankings or rivalry—it was about seeing just how deep and promising this U.S. player pool really is. With 27 new call-ups and 19 debuts in 22 games under Hayes, the message is clear: the future isn’t coming. It’s already here.

Emma Hayes on the newcomers' performances in the 4-0 win over Ireland. (Video courtesy of US Soccer/Veritone)

The USWNT now travels to Cincinnati and TQL Stadium this Sunday to face Ireland again, likely featuring a new starting XI—and potentially a few more debuts. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, this could be one of Emma Hayes’ final opportunities to assess the full depth of the player pool before solidifying the core 23 players and establishing a more consistent group for the road ahead.