Emma Hayes Era: Coloradan Horan, Swanson and Smith Usher in New USWNT Coach

BOULDER – United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) locals’ Lindsey Horan, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith, and 24 teammates arrived in Colorado from all parts on Monday to open their first training under new head coach, Emma Hayes in Boulder, Colorado on Tuesday.

Hayes was named head coach of the USWNT this past November. She replaces Vlatko Andonovski and Twila Kilgore. Vlatko Andonovski coached the team through the 2023 Women’s World Cup, while Kilgore took on the role of interim head coach until Hayes formally came on-board last week. 

The talent-filled and upbeat Kilgore is the lone coach that has carried-over from the Andonovski era. As part of her agreement with U.S. Soccer to take on the responsibilities of interim head coach, she will assume the role of assistant coach.

Hayes recently concluded her obligations as head coach of Chelsea F.C. Women. Joining Hayes are three coaching staff members who come with her from Chelsea, where Hayes spent the last 12 years. Hayes and her staff led the club to unprecedented success in England, including five consecutive Women’s Super League titles. Additionally, two more Chelsea members have agreed join the USWNT’s technical performance and analysis group. 

Going forward, Hayes’ roster of elite Senior players will now embark on a very competitive training-play-evaluation- filled journey, that will ultimately lead to a hand picked roster that will represent the United States during the 2024 Summer Olympics in France. 

The Lady Yanks are set to open Olympic play in the south of France on July 25 against Zambia. Days later they will face just as tough group stage opponents: Germany and Australia.

During the next seven weeks, Hayes and her coaching staff will evaluate and debate the makeup of their forthcoming roster.

The evolving team will play four pre-Olympics friendlies, starting this Saturday, June 1, against Korea Republic at DICK’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. The foes will face-off again on June 4 at Allianz Stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. Korea is currently ranked 20th in the FIFA Women’s table. 

The USA will also face Concacaf rival Mexico on July 13 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, then wrap up play in Washington D.C. against fellow Concacaf member, Costa Rica. Costa Rica ranks 44th, while Mexico, 31st.

Of note, U.S. Soccer has reported that roster for the friendlies in Harrison and Washington, D.C. will feature the official 2024 U.S. Olympic Women’s Soccer Team. Just 18 players, plus four alternates, are permitted in each squad for Paris 2024.

In the meantime, Colorado’s trio of Horan, Swanson and Smith will strive to get on the same page with Hayes, overachieve, and earn her invitation to join her team. Barring any major personal catastrophes between now and early July, the Highlands Ranch-Golden-Windsor triad is expected to make, what is expected to be a star-studded USA roster.

“Anyone in the soccer world knows Emma Hayes… she’s a legend and her resume speaks for itself. We all just trust her. Obviously trust is something you build,” said Sophia Smith in the middle of picturesque Prentup Field at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Smith elaborated, “What she’s done for the game and for the sport, we all trust her and are excited about her. I’m sure we’ll learn a lot in the next week. We already have learned a lot in the first few days.”

Swanson followed Smith and spoke with a gaggle of photographers and journalists. 

The world-class forward did not speak much about the long view, “It does take time, but I think everyone’s focused and ready and excited for this new opportunity. With that comes everyone getting on the same page and learning together and growing together.”

Back in February, Swanson told Fox Sports of Hayes, “She’s great! I think she brings this energy that people are really excited about and I think what she’s done at Chelsea is literally amazing and is one of a kind. I think her coaching style is gonna be a really good fit for the group. Everyone that I’ve talked to is excited.” 

That excitement, energy, and first-day-of-school glee were on full display this afternoon, on a perfectly manicured pitch beneath the majestic Boulder Flatirons rock formation.

U.S. Women’s National Team Roster vs. Korea Republic:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage)

DEFENDERS (7): Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Sam Staab (Chicago Red Stars)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Lily Yohannes (Ajax, NED)

FORWARDS (7): Crystal Dunn (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)

Training players: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit), Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit)

Photo Credit: John Babiak

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