USWNT Recap: U.S. Draws In Send-Off Match

Despite a flurry of chances for the United States, things remained scoreless.

Photo Courtesy of United States Women’s National Team

Emma Hayes and the United States Women’s National team got one final tune-up before traveling to Paris for the summer Olympic games, as they hosted Costa Rica inside Washington D.C.’s Audi Field.

There were two changes to the lineup that secured a 1-0 win over Mexico on Saturday. Jenna Nighswonger was out of the matchday squad due to load management. Rose Lavelle was poised to make the start against Costa Rica but was a last-minute scratch as a precaution.

Alyssa Naeher got the start in goal behind the backline of Crystal Dunn, Tierna Davison, Naomi Girma, and Emily Fox. Korbin Albert, who replaced Rose Lavelle, started in the midfield alongside Sam Coffey. Sophia Smith, Lindsey Horan, and Trinity Rodman sat higher in the midfield behind Mallory Swanson.

Priscila Chinchilla received the game’s first booking as she received a yellow card in the 17th minute following a harsh foul on Trinity Rodman that saw both sides get into a brief scuffle before the referee issued the card. Further physicality came in the 26th minute when Trinity Rodman and Noelia Bermudez collided while going after a ball crossed into the box. After an extended evaluation, both players were able to continue.

Horan nearly scored an amazing goal in the 37th minute when she stuck her foot out and got on the end of a chipped ball into the box. Horan’s near post touch evaded Bermudez, but it bounced off the goal post as Bermudez quickly pounced onto it.

Despite a plethora of good opportunities, the U.S. was unable to capitalize as the game was deadlocked in a scoreless draw following the opening 45 minutes.

Hayes made four changes in the 67th minute as Casey Kruger, Emily Sonnett, Jaedyn Shaw, and Lynn Williams came on to replace Smith, Coffey, Albert, and Fox.

Rodman came close to finding the net in her club’s home field in the 80th minute when she got her head on the end of a cross but directed it right at Bermudez who made the save to keep the game scoreless.

Hayes’ last change came in the 88th minute when Croix Bethune came on to replace Swanson.

Horna had a golden opportunity in stoppage time as Girma lobbed a ball forward. Horan evaded her defender and was wide open when she got her head onto the end of the ball but put too much on it as the ball sailed way over the goal.

Like the first half, the second saw a plethora of chances but the United States were unable to capitalize on as the match ended in a 0-0 draw. While it wasn’t the send-off they anticipated, there were plenty of bright spots from the scoreless draw.

Firstly, the United States has yet to concede under Hayes. Through her four matches in charge, the U.S. has gone 3-0-1 while outsourcing opponents 8-0.

Secondly, it’s great to see the U.S. generate chances. While they couldn’t get any of their 12 shots on-target into the back of the net, it’s nice to see them generating chances.

With the send-off match in the rearview mirror, Hayes and the USWNT now turn their attention to the Paris Olympic games. They will begin group stage play on July 25th when they face #64th-ranked Zambia at 3:00 PM ET.