USWNT Rising Stars: Thompson, Macario Shine
- U.S.Women's National Team coach Emma Hayes is using this period to experiment with the team's attacking strategies and personnel.
- Hayes has had to navigate this transition without key players like Trinity Rodman, who is recovering from a back injury, and Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson, who...
- Since the Olympics, Hayes has given opportunities to 11 forwards who weren't part of the team last summer, with 10 of them being 25 years old or younger.
Emma Hayes is reshaping the USWNT attack, and young talents like Catarina Macario and Michelle Cooper are seizing their moment. With key players sidelined by injury and maternity leave, the spotlight shines on rising stars demonstrating notable attacking depth. This new era, marked by experimentation and strategic shifts, saw the USWNT dominate China 3-0, with Macario and Cooper leading the charge. The team’s recent performances highlight a growing competitive environment,and even though there is still work ahead,the team’s progress is clear. News Directory 3 explores the developing dynamics within the USWNT. Discover what’s next as these emerging forwards continue to evolve.
USWNT’s New Attackers Emerge Under Emma Hayes’ Experimentation
Updated June 02, 2025
U.S.Women’s National Team coach Emma Hayes is using this period to experiment with the team’s attacking
strategies and personnel. Since taking over, Hayes has expanded the player pool, especially in the forward
positions, as she prepares the team for future competitions. This revamp comes after the USWNT’s early exit
from the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Hayes has had to navigate this transition without key players like Trinity Rodman, who is recovering from a back
injury, and Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson, who are on maternity leave. These three forwards accounted for
10 of the team’s 13 goals at the Olympics, making their absence significant.
Since the Olympics, Hayes has given opportunities to 11 forwards who weren’t part of the team last summer, with
10 of them being 25 years old or younger. During this period, the USWNT has scored 22 goals in 11 games,
conceding only eight, indicating a growing attacking depth.
The USWNT’s attacking ability was evident in their recent 3-0 victory over China. Alyssa Thompson, Catarina
Macario, and Michelle cooper started the game, each playing a crucial role in the goals. Macario stood out with
a goal and an assist, while Cooper also contributed with an assist. Hayes credited the team’s performance to
their hard work and understanding of the tactics.
“When you’re trying to put together so many new players as a coach, you want to make sure that every time
you’re with them, you’re making less and less tactical corrections and this week, we’ve made less than we’ve
ever had to make,” Hayes said after the match.
Macario, who debuted for the national team in 2021, and Thompson, a member of the 2023 world Cup squad, are
among the more experienced players in this new attacking group.Macario, in particular, has excelled as a No. 9
in recent games.
“Cat, she’s being tough on herself,” Hayes said. “She got a goal, her all-around play, she wanted it at a
higher level and that’s okay. She can aspire to that but she’s a fantastic football player and we’re blessed
to have her so we’re happy with her.”
Cooper has also made a mark, scoring one goal and providing one assist in five international appearances. Hayes
described her as a “firecracker” and praised her ability to threaten opponents, whether she starts or comes off
the bench.
“She’s a firecracker,” Hayes said. “She really is. I didn’t think her touch was the best today and I told her
that. … I think Michelle is someone, whether she starts or from the bench, she’s such a threat in behind.”
Ally Sentnor and Emma Sears are also part of this group of emerging forwards. Sentnor impressed during
February’s SheBelieves Cup, scoring two goals in eight appearances, while sears has one goal in five caps.
They may have another opportunity to showcase their skills in a amiable against Jamaica.
What’s next
Hayes acknowledged that there is still work to be done with this young group. However, the USWNT is making
significant progress during this transitional period, creating a competitive surroundings that could make roster
decisions challenging in the future.