US players excited about a fresh start under new coach

NEW YORK (AP):

Although Emma Hayes hasn’t yet assumed her new role as coach of the US women’s national team, she’s been involved behind the scenes as the team wraps up a turbulent year and looks forward to an eventful 2024.

Hayes is currently coaching Chelsea in the Women’s Super League and won’t join the United States until May, a short time before the Americans play in the Paris Olympics.

She visited the team last week as they prepared for a pair of exhibition matches against China. The US defeated the Steel Roses 3-0 in the first match on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The second match is set for today in Frisco, Texas.

Hayes’ fresh perspective is welcome, especially after the United States was eliminated from the Women’s World Cup this summer by Sweden. The Round of 16 exit was the earliest ever for the four-time World Cup champions.

“I think we’ll learn a lot from her and she’ll learn a lot from us,” defender Emily Fox said.

Hayes consulted with interim coach Twila Kilgore and US Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker on the team’s roster for the final two games of the year. The US left veterans Alex Morgan, Crystal Dunn, Becky Sauerbrunn and Alyssa Naeher off the squad in favour of taking a look at younger players.

“This camp is – honestly, we’ve been saying it’s kind of starting fresh because of the World Cup and everything. Emma, being able to meet her, and obviously having new faces in camp, younger faces,” forward Trinity Rodman said after Saturday’s game. “I think it’s just building an understanding, creating an identity and executing a game plan.”

Defender Naomi Girma echoed the sentiment that Hayes’ arrival is something of a fresh start.

“We feel like we have our direction. We know what we’re building towards now, and it’s all very clear. I think overall we’re just excited to hit the ground running with her,” Girma said.

World Cup disappointment

After the lacklustre performance by the Americans at the Women’s World Cup, US Soccer parted ways with coach Vlatko Andonovski. Kilgore, one of his assistants, was named interim coach. Hayes was appointed last month.

Kilgore’s role will continue a bit longer than expected because of Hayes’ obligation to Chelsea. But Kilgore will continue on as an assistant under Hayes.

“There’s definitely a sense of belonging where the group is really excited to get back together and integrate some of the new players; and also a lot of excitement and a really new feeling just having Emma around,” Kilgore said. “She has been focused on player relationships and starting to get to know them and I’ve been focused on the day-to-day and it’s been a good mix.”

Following the matches against China, the US players will get a break before the first women’s Concacaf Gold Cup. Then it’s on to the Olympics in July. The United States women qualified for both tournaments.