Three takeaways from Emma Hayes’ latest USWNT roster

Here are the three main takeaways from Hayes’ picks ahead of USA's three October friendlies.

1. Hayes is keen for the youth to get first-team experience.

The gold-medal winning squad was the Americans’ youngest since 2008. Youth – and consequently, inexperience – was a theme of this roster as well, featuring only five players over 30.

Over half the roster has made fewer than 20 appearances for the national team. Hayes explained to ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf that the upcoming matches — two against Iceland and one against Argentina — are intended for players who had limited chances previously, but have shown this season they are ready for more opportunities with the national team.

Olivia Moultrie and Jaedyn Shaw, both only 19, are fully recovered from injuries sustained earlier this year. The young talents have netted nine goals in just 20 appearances combined. Shaw is the first USWNT player to score in her first five starts.

2. Attacking talents Ashley Sanchez and Alyssa Thompson return to the squad.

Hayes rewarded Sanchez and Thompson’s strong NWSL campaigns with their first call-ups since last year.

Sanchez took NC Courage’s offense to another level this season, scoring five goals coupled with four assists. The 25-year-old midfielder deserves a chance to compete for the USWNT’s future No. 10.

Angel City’s Thompson is finding form at the right time, scoring five goals in her last eight club games. The speedy 19-year-old, who played in the World Cup weeks after graduating high school, should regain full confidence upon her return.

3. Hayes selected three wild cards for first-time call-ups.

Emma Sears, Yazmeen Ryan and Alyssa Malonson will join the senior national team for the first time.

Sears, a rookie forward from Racing Louisville, has five goals and one assist this season. She’s one of the fastest players in the league, getting up to 20.92 mph in May. She’s earned two NWSL Goal of the Week honors.

“Sears is a clear example of what we're looking to do in terms of providing opportunities for players who have performed well,” Hayes told ESPN. 

Ryan has four goals and four assists this season for a top-four NY/NJ Gotham side. The forward, 25, exemplifies Hayes’ commitment to rewarding performance regardless of age.

The most unpredictable pick on the roster was Bay FC’s defender Malonson. Her club’s defense is mediocre and she’s only made 14 starts this season. However, she’s familiar with U.S. Soccer, having played at the U-15 and U-23 level. 

Hayes noted that the USWNT CBA limited her from calling up more new faces for the upcoming games, per Jeff Kassouf of ESPN.

The October matches mark the onset of an intense, innovative and exciting period for the USWNT.