USWNT Holds England to 0-0 Draw at Wembley: Ryan and Girma Shine
Thanksgiving weekend brought a clash of titans as the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) faced off against England at the iconic Wembley Stadium. While the scoreboard remained untouched in a 0-0 draw, the match was anything but dull. For USWNT head coach Emma Hayes, the performance was a solid step forward, even if the finishing touch in the final third was missing.
Despite the absence of key attacking players like Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Smith, the Americans dominated much of the game. Their control in midfield and defense was evident, but the lack of clinical finishing up front left fans wondering what could have been. Still, Hayes’ squad earned a passing grade in this high-profile test, with one more friendly against the Netherlands left to close out the year and continue their Olympic gold medal campaign.
Manager Rating: Emma Hayes (7/10)
Emma Hayes had her work cut out for her, managing a team missing its dynamic front line while also dealing with players who hadn’t seen much action in recent weeks. Add to that the pressure of playing in front of a raucous Wembley crowd, and it’s clear this was no easy task. Yet, Hayes’ tactical decisions paid off. Her reliance on experienced players in defense and midfield allowed the team to control the game, and her halftime substitution of Yazmeen Ryan proved to be a masterstroke. The Hayes Era continues to show promise as the USWNT builds toward the future.
USWNT Player Ratings
Here’s how the USWNT players fared in the match, rated on a scale of 1-10 (10 = best, 5 = average):
- GK Alyssa Naeher (5): A quiet day for Naeher, who had little to do thanks to a rock-solid defense. She might as well have been a spectator, enjoying the view of over 70,000 fans at Wembley.
- DF Emily Fox (7): The Arsenal defender looked right at home in London, providing a reliable outlet on the right flank and shutting down England’s attacks on her side.
- DF Emily Sonnett (6): Sonnett’s experience shone through as she delivered a composed performance alongside Naomi Girma. Together, they gave the midfielders the freedom to push forward.
- DF Naomi Girma (8): Girma was a standout, making defensive work look effortless. Her ability to snuff out threats early and recover with ease solidifies her status as one of the best players in the world. She even came close to scoring, adding a little extra sparkle to her performance.
- DF Casey Krueger (7): Krueger owned the left side, keeping England’s Jessica Naz quiet all game. She also forced a strong save from England goalkeeper Mary Earps with a well-struck shot in the first half.
In midfield, Sam Coffey (6) quietly did the dirty work, winning second balls and keeping the tempo high. Lindsey Horan (6) had moments of brilliance but also gave the ball away cheaply at times. Meanwhile, Rose Lavelle (7) was her usual creative self, linking play with clever touches and nearly setting up a goal.
Up front, the forwards struggled to make an impact. Emma Sears (4) had a tough outing, unable to exploit England’s aging defense. Lynn Williams (5) worked hard but lacked service, while Alyssa Thompson (6) showed flashes of brilliance in 1v1 situations but lacked support.
Substitute Spotlight: Yazmeen Ryan (8/10)
Yazmeen Ryan was the game-changer. Coming on at halftime, she brought energy and creativity, operating both as a winger and a central playmaker. Ryan nearly set up a goal with a stunning cross and had a shot that led to a penalty call, though VAR overturned it. With just three caps to her name, Ryan is making a strong case to be a key part of the USWNT’s future.
As the USWNT continues to evolve under Emma Hayes, this match was a promising sign of what’s to come. The team’s defensive solidity and midfield control were impressive, but finding that cutting edge in attack will be the next step. With one more match left in 2024, all eyes will be on the Netherlands clash to see how this team continues to grow.
Originally Written by: Jeff Carlisle
