After the USWNT’s 1-2 shocking loss to Portugal on Thursday, Emma Hayes would make eight changes from the starting lineup.
Sonnett,
Thompson and Patterson would be the only starters from the October 23rd match.
Fortunately for the USWNT and Emma Hayes, it would pay off immediately.
In just 44 seconds, Olivia Moultrie put them ahead 1-0 over Portugal.
However, Portugal would respond in the fifth minute, thanks to Jéssica Silva’s header and Beatriz Fonseca’s cross.
In the tenth minute, Moultrie would score again thanks to a lovely backheel from Jaedyn Shaw to retake the lead 2-1.
That would be her second-ever brace for country.
In the 82nd minute, Sam Coffey would put the final touches on the 3-1 win over Portugal. The Portland Thorns teammates, Coffey and Moultrie, would account for all three goals for the USWNT.
The 3-1 win was a much-needed rebound performance for the USWNT and the talented youth of the team got the job done in every fauet imaginable with the veterans providing a steady guidance.
“I thought we were much, much better in all phases of the field,” Hayes said.
“We did a better job of being compact, not chasing the ball in the wrong moments – that’s probably the biggest thing without being too technical. The second was if you want to control games and get players in the right positions higher up, you have to build up very well, successfully, control in the right areas, make the opponent work – something we didn’t do the other night, but we did do it tonight.”
The future is here
With only three returning starters from Thursday, Emma Hayes would make eight changes, but most of them being her young stars.
The starting XI averaged just 19.2 caps per player and was one of the youngest with an average age of 21.7.
Hayes has now started three teenagers twice: April 8, 2025, versus Brazil and today against Portugal.
Lily Yohannes (18), Claire Hutton (19) and Jordyn Bugg (19) would earn the start.
“Yohannes, like Claire Hutton plays beyond their years,” said Hayes. “I’m really glad she [Yohannes] chose the USA because she’s going to be a really important part of our team.”
Olivia Moultrie with another statement
At age 20, Moultrie led the scoring with her second ever brace for the USWNT – both goals came in the first ten minutes.
It would also be her third brace in the past four matches for club and country.
“Honestly, I think just talking to Emma [Hayes] about it, just trusting the process in club and with country,” Moultrie said. “Just allowing all the work I put in to finally showcase itself.”
“I think she [Moultrie] is having an outstanding season” Hayes said. I think she is a goal threat. I played her off to the right, but coming inside. I knew there would be second spaces inside the box – she exploited them well.”
Portugal is the real deal
Heading into the two-match series, FIFA rankings had the USWNT third and Portugal 19th, respectively.
In these two matches vs the USWNT, Portugal showed it is a team that fears absolutely no one and can play with the very best.
After they defeated the U.S. 2-1 in the opener, they followed it up with another strong performance in the finale. Yes, even in a loss they showcased their talent and ability to match up with one of the top teams in world football.
They’ll be one to watch for moving forward.
The United States Women’s National Team closes out their international window with a matchup against New Zealand on Wednesday, October 29 at CPKC Stadium.
