The U.S. Women's National Team started their journey to the 2027 World Cup in style. Fresh from Olympic gold, this team under head coach Emma Hayes is showing just how much more it has to give. In a thrilling 3-1 victory over Iceland before 18,580 fans at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, the depth of this team and the drive to win came into full focus.
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Alyssa Thompson Shines in Debut, Sets the Pace
But the big surprise of the game was 19-year-old forward Alyssa Thompson, who started a lineup full of Olympic champions as Hayes went all-in on Thompson-and was rewarded for it. In the first half, Thompson scored a memorable goal, full of skill and precision. It's all grit and renewal for this generation.
Hayes, whose tactical vision combines experience with a keen eye for young talent, had no hesitation in playing Thompson up front with Lynn Williams and Mallory Swanson. And Thompson delivered. From a well-placed pass by Sam Coffey, the young forward surged down the left, beating Iceland's defense with natural skill, cut inside, and hit a perfect shot into the upper corner-one of those debut goals one remembered for style and confidence.
Jaedyn Shaw and Sophia Smith: Young People on a Mission
The game remained intense, with Iceland standing firm and testing the American defense at a very crucial time. Early in the second half, a rare space was found by Selma Magnúsdóttir, who scored a beauty leveling the game. But that was the moment when coach Emma Hayes showed her prowess in managing the team. She brought in Jaedyn Shaw, and back she came, full of fresh energy and the spark missing within the team.
In the 85', Shaw latched onto a pass from fullback Casey Krueger and, with great poise, sliced through Iceland's defense to slip the ball under the keeper. A true rising talent kind of goal. And to seal the game, Sophia Smith appeared in the 88th minute, capitalizing on an Icelandic defensive error to shoot right into the net with precision and unstoppable power.
Emma Hayes: Tactical Mastery
Taking over the USWNT, Emma Hayes brought a more aggressive, direct style, and it's working. Through 11 games-10 wins and a single draw-the team has yet to taste defeat with Hayes at the helm. Under her command, the U.S. has reclaimed a solid playing identity, commanding ball possession and executing rapid transitions when called for. Hayes has retained much of the seasoned core of Olympic veterans, blended them with new talent, and created a synergy that makes this team even more dangerous and unpredictable.
One telling factor is the way Hayes gets the best out of each of his players, from youngest to most experienced, and on down. Take Emily Sonnett, for example, who recently earned her 100th international cap-a testament to the coach's appreciation of that consistency. Yet Hayes doesn't balk at giving new names like Yazmeen Ryan and Hal Hershfelt their chance, either. It would seem that the perfect mix of salty veterans and shining new stars may be the secret.
USWNT Consistency Shone Through
The team's tactical and physical domination was evident in the stats: despite the scoreline remaining relatively precarious throughout, much of the ball belonged to the U.S. through midfielders Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle. Iceland had a good solid defense but gave way to continued pressure.
Thompson and Shaw only marked the beginning of a generation hungry for glory, looking upwards to the 2027 World Cup. Of course, the win against Iceland was just an appetizer, actually sending across a message: the United States is ready once again to fight at the top. United States: Ready for New Victories?
The next USWNT game, on October 27, is against Iceland. If the intensity keeps up, Hayes and her players can log yet another convincing victory as the morale of the team pushes upwards for the journey going into 2027.