For a team with the explicit goal of winning the Women's World Cup, there is no test more perfect than a pair of friendlies against the last team to take home the title. To do it a month before World Cup qualifiers and eight months before the tournament itself makes for perfect timing. The U.S. women's national team remain as well-equipped as any to handle the challenges Spain will pose over the next week, starting with Saturday's friendly in the nation's capital, but make no mistake – the circumstances are not exactly perfect.
The reigning Olympic gold medalists are still the attack-minded force they have always been, but they will be understaffed for their doubleheader against Spain, and in a key area of the pitch. Center back Naomi Girma and defensive midfielder Sam Coffey were ruled out of the games with injuries, leaving the USWNT particularly understaffed in defense. Claire Hutton will likely fill Coffey's role and may have done so anyway, such is the quality of the 20-year-old.
Head coach Emma Hayes has an eclectic group to work with at center back, though: Tierna Davidson, Girma's presumed partner at the World Cup next year; Tara Rudd, who joined the fold after the U.S. team won gold at the 2024 Olympics; Kennedy Wesley, who has seven caps; and Kate Del Fava, a first-timer with the senior national team after years of experience in the NWSL. "Can't do anything about that," Hayes said candidly on Friday, though she does not exactly feel down on her luck. Date: Saturday, Oct. 10 | Time: 2:30 p.m.
ETLocation: Audi Field -- Washington, D.C.TV: TBS | Live stream: HBO MaxOdds: USWNT +260; Draw +250; Spain -110 "They're top players and I can put them in situations this week to create the exposures," she continued. "I think developing as a pairing is something that they're going to have to do, but I believe in them, and I watch their attention to detail. I think you got [Tierna], who, by nature, is a defender that can progress the ball up the pitch.
Great covering defender, really good aerially. You got Kennedy, who steps to the play really well. I think they're actually a good complement to each other.
I think they're very intelligent people, so they can solve really good tactical puzzles, and I've seen them do it all week, so I'm looking forward to seeing how they progress together." The 25-year-old Wesley is one of the late beneficiaries of Hayes' player pool expansion project following the Olympics but has been a focal point for the San Diego Wave, who remain in the hunt for the NWSL Shield thanks in large part to their league-leading defensive efforts. Her stock appears to on the rise and at a timely juncture in the USWNT's preparations for the World Cup, and Wesley seems to be soaking up every moment along the way. "I think both Tierna, [Emily Fox], there are so many players that bring an ample amount of experience and it's been nothing so, so helpful to me, recognizing I can go to them with any question I have." Wesley said Thursday.
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