HARRISON, NJ – Even though it was only three months ago, the U.S. women’s national team’s last game against Mexico may have been part of a different era.
Which, in many ways, it was.
The USWNT suffered a 2–0 loss to Mexico at the Gold Cup in February, their second loss against their neighbors to the south and first on American soil. It was a low point for the storied program, in some ways a bigger disappointment than the round of 16 defeats to Australia and New Zealand last summer, the first-ever loss at a World Cup or Olympics.
Emma Hayes said Friday that the loss to Mexico five months ago was a loss she was grateful for. Having been hired as coach of the USWNT but not yet on the job, the loss gave her and the team a chance to reset.
“We can intervene and put things back in order,” Hayes said Friday. “There’s no losing, only learning, and I think a lot has happened since then.”
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That was evident on Saturday, when the USWNT defeated Mexico 1-0 in a game of dominance.
Yes, the team still struggled to finish. The buildup to Sophia Smith’s goal in the 64th minute was gorgeous – from the right side, Trinity Rodman crossed to Mallory Swanson, who then slid the ball to Smith, who dodged the Mexico defender before burying the ball at the far post – The trio could have easily scored four or five more goals.
But a USWNT that looked like it was playing with cement in its cleats and doubt in its mind is now playing with the authority that used to be its trademark.
“I think (Hayes) has really allowed us to go to another level, just tactically,” Crystal Dunn said.
It was the USWNT’s first game since Hayes named her 18-player roster for Paris, as she replaced Alex Morgan and placed her faith in the talented next generation. This is not a finished product by any means. Winning a medal at the Paris Olympics, let alone another gold, will be a significant challenge.
But there are signs of progress. And the certainty is that it will get better with more time under Hayes, who did not officially take charge until Chelsea’s season ended at the end of May.
“It can’t be denied that when the game opens, we’re excited. My goal is to progress in all moments,” Hayes said. “As a team, as a collective we still have a lot to learn. But if we use March as a reference point, I think it’s fair to say that this game was too measured, too controlled.
“So, take steps in the right direction.”
No team can convert every chance it creates. But at last summer’s World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics before that, the USWNT seemed to be in just as much of a hold as their opponents. It scored only four goals in the World Cup, and three in the opening round against Vietnam.
Getting the ball into the final third was a challenge, as passes were often intercepted in the middle of the field. When they got around the box, the Americans were often thinking too much about every step they took, so by the time they took a shot, the opportunity had passed.
There was still a part of that Saturday against Mexico left. In the 22nd minute, Rodman fouled Smith when perhaps he should have taken the shot himself. In the 52nd, Smith beat the goalkeeper but still could not score.
But it is coming. Rodman, Smith and Swanson have dynamism individually and as a front line, and when they use it, they are scary.
“I think we have it naturally, but we’ve definitely been working on it,” Smith said after the game. “I think we understand each other very well. I think that’s probably what sets us apart from other frontliners. I feel like I know what Mal is going to do when she gets the ball, I feel like I know what Trin is going to do. We can all work with that.
“It’s easier to play with players whose tendencies you know,” Smith said. “We have learned each other very well and will continue to do so.”
This game against Mexico was a good measure of how much the USWNT has progressed in these first two months with Hayes. The last game against Mexico feels like a distant memory which is a good sign.
Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armor on social media @nrarmore,
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