USWNT extend unbeaten run under Emma Hayes with comeback win; Argentina awaits

The US women's national team are still unbeaten under Emma Hayes, but the 3-1 victory against Iceland was simply another cameo of their grit and the ability to adapt by this particular team. The Americans found themselves trailing in a friendly at Nashville, with finally Hayes' substitutions turning the tide in what was essentially the most important comeback effort. The second-half forwards who made all the difference-Lynn Williams and Emma Sears-encapsulated the spirit of this team: never back down, no matter what the challenge is.

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Tactical Changes and Game-Changing Substitutions

The game got off to the worst start it possibly could for the US. Iceland took advantage of one of their few opportunities to take the lead in the 31st minute. A well-taken corner by Karólína Vilhjálmsdóttir found the back of the net thanks to a misjudgment by goalkeeper Casey Murphy. The setback now pushed Hayes to rethink her second-half strategy.

With three changes at halftime and two more by the 56th minute, the British coach made clear she wasn't about to settle for a loss. It was in Lindsey Horan, Alyssa Thompson, and later Williams and Sears that the spark was ignited the team so sorely needed. It was like pouring fuel onto an already-primed fire. The plays started flowing, and the pressure from the Americans onto the Icelandic defense ramped way up.

Emma Sears: Gold in Her First Attempt

While the win stood out, Emma Sears' name couldn't be overlooked. The young forward made a stunning debut, setting up the equalizer and scoring her own goal in stoppage time. In her first appearance for the team, Sears looked comfortable, as if she'd been wearing the jersey for years. Being only the fourth player to notch a goal and an assist in her debut for the USWNT is a testament to her potential.

When Sears came onto the field, the US was still chasing an equalizer. A quick, efficient combination between Thompson and Sophia Smith set up the debutant to tee up Williams, who made no mistake. This match marked a beginning of comeback, giving a team its much-needed momentum into the game.

Lindsey Horan and Her On-Field Leadership

Another important figure during the second half was Lindsey Horan. This midfielder stepped in to reorganize the team, adding a touch of experience and control in the middle of the field. Very important was her role, not only while scoring the go-ahead goal but also in her steady presence that looked to spur the rest of the team on.

It wasn't until the 76th minute that Horan found herself where she needed to be to finish off a cross from Williams and place the USWNT ahead. The team just seemed determined not only to win but to show them it had just been a glitch in the first half. Horan directed the squad as a conductor who knew how to pace each note of a symphony. The pressure on Iceland's backline kept piling, and the feeling just grew that a third would have to follow.

Iceland: Solid Defense, but No More Fuel

The Iceland team entered the pitch aware of the challenge that was to be faced. Thirteenth in the world ranking, the European side coped well with the US pressure in the first half, defending with discipline and looking for chances to swiftly counterattack. In that sense, the forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir was her team's main outlet, as right-sided runs tested the American backline.

As the second half wore on, Iceland's defensive game plan finally started to break down. The initial resistance turned into fatigue, and Hayes' changes in tactics eventually became too much for the visiting defense to handle as fresh legs off the bench for the US left Iceland without answers. Finally, the relentless pressure paid off when the Americans broke down the Icelandic defense.

Emma Hayes: Building a New Identity for the US

Most of the recent success has come under the guidance of Emma Hayes, who got the USWNT unbeaten since taking over: 11 wins, 1 draw. That fact alone speaks volumes of the work she does, as Emma is never shy of trying new lineups and giving opportunities to new players who itch to secure their spot. He gambled with a less-experienced squad in the win over Iceland, offering chances for those looking to establish themselves on the international stage. This refreshed approach balances out the veterans with new prospects like Olivia Moultrie and Jaedyn Shaw, who also played in the match.

Hayes proved well that, besides being incisive as a strategist, she knows when it is time to have confidence in newcomers. With the next FIFA Women's World Cup still on the horizon, she still has time to test other combinations and find the right mix between players. For now, her strategy has paid off: the team is still unbeaten and, what matters most, with each game it becomes more cohesive.

Looking Ahead: USA vs. Argentina

Now, the Americans go onto their next one, 33rd-ranked Argentina, in a friendly match that is being held in Louisville, Kentucky, marking the end of October's international window. Another chance for Hayes to test new tactics and more integrate young talents. The performance is likely to be convincing and display further progress of the squad.

Given recent US form and the camp mood, they enter the match as favorites, but having said that, they are beyond the stage where they would take Argentina lightly. For them to extend the winning streak, it will be very important to be intense and focused right from the opening whistle. The match will also provide another opportunity for Emma Sears and other newcomers to prove a case in this era of renewal of the national team.