Despite the absence of several key players from their Olympic gold medal-winning team, Megan Rapinoe believes the US Women`s National Team is in a strong transitional phase. She sees it as a positive progression following their Olympic success last summer.
For this month`s friendly matches against Brazil, USWNT coach Emma Hayes will be working with only 10 players from the Olympic roster. Notably, only Trinity Rodman, from the dynamic `triple espresso` trio (who collectively scored 10 goals at the Paris Games), will be present. Rapinoe suggests that the Olympics provided a firm base for Hayes. Now, Hayes can focus on nurturing the next wave of talent as they build towards the 2027 Women`s World Cup.
In a CBS Sports Golazo Network interview, Rapinoe, alongside her fiancé Sue Bird, stated, “We witnessed their Olympic gold medal victory last summer.” She added, “Emma took charge quickly and managed the team effectively. While we recognize the capabilities of the `triple espresso`, their current absence has highlighted the team`s impressive depth. We`ve seen Lily Yohannes and Ally Sentnor debut and perform exceptionally well. I`m encouraged that the team consistently scores goals, regardless of who`s on the field.”
Rapinoe, a decorated player with two World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal in her 17-year national team career, underscored the significance of a deep player pool for title contention.
She commented, “We are in a transitional period, with the World Cup a few years away. However, throughout my years with the team, I`ve learned that squad depth is crucial for winning tournaments. These are lengthy competitions, and no single player can play every minute. Having impactful players coming off the bench is incredibly valuable.”
This experimental phase, embraced by Hayes, is expected to enhance a team already rich with established talent.
Rapinoe further noted, “We have strong starting players, and the `triple espresso,` Naomi Girma, and Rose Lavelle will all return. For me, it’s about the team’s overall balance. It seems Emma is making her mark, setting standards, and ensuring players understand her vision. It`s exciting to see this emerging young talent.”
The USWNT will play Brazil on Saturday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and again on Tuesday at PayPal Park in San Jose.
