With plenty of variables at play on Hayes' squad, GOAL looks at how the USWNT could line up against Colombia
The U.S. women's national team are set for their first games of 2025 and, while this group may be a little bit shorthanded, the games are meaningful There's a trophy on the line. Perhaps more importantly, though, there are spots up for grabs and impressions to make as Emma Hayes sorts through a ridiculously young but talented player pool with the 2027 Women's World Cup on the horizon.
There's no Triple Espresso and no Naomi Girma, but this group is loaded with rising stars who may become superstars by the time the World Cup rolls around. This SheBelieves Cup feels like the real start of that process. There were friendlies in the fall, yes, but after a January USWNT camp and Futures camp, Hayes is putting the preparations in place.
On Thursday, the USWNT will open the tournament against Colombia, a familiar foe. These two teams met last March in the Gold Cup in one of the final games before the Hayes era began. So much has changed since then. There are so many new faces in this camp. This USWNT group is almost unrecognizable from the one that won that game 3-0 last March, although all three goalscorers – Lindsey Heaps, Jenna Nighswonger and Jaedyn Shaw – are in this team and all three could start.
But who else should be in Hayes' XI? With multiple players flying over from Europe and NWSL stars in preseason mode, how does Hayes juggle fitness, tactics and a quick run of three games in six days?
GOAL takes a look.
Getty Images SportGK: Jane Campbell
Only two options here and, of the two, Campbell is the highest on the depth chart. Because of that, we'll pick her to start.
It would make sense for Hayes to give Mandy McGlynn at least one of the games during this tournament, but this really is designed to be Campbell's big chance to show why she can be Alyssa Naeher's successor.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLB: Crystal Dunn
As it has been for some time, it's between Dunn and Jenna Nighswonger . The latter played for Arsenal on Sunday, while Dunn played for PSG on Saturday. That extra day does make a difference, so we'll give Dunn the nod.
Nighswonger is coming for this spot, though, and her move to Arsenal might make the difference sooner rather than later. It's a good problem for Hayes to have, though, as she does have two left-backs playing at a high level.
IMAGNCB: Emily Sams
Sams earned her first two caps at the tail end of last year against Iceland and Argentina, and she didn't look out of place. With no Girma in this camp, the centerback positions will likely be heavily rotated as Hayes looks for answers – might Sams be one?
At 25, Sams is at the point in her career where she can take the leap into this player pool, but it all has to start with good performances. These will be her first meaningful games and her first real test.
GettyCB: Tierna Davidson
With one relative newcomer at one centerback spot, it would make sense to pair them with a familiar face. Davidson or Emily Sonnett? Dealer's choice.
Hayes should feel fine with either, and both will play a big part in this tournament. Sonnett, though, could provide cover at defensive midfield positions, too, so we'll leave her on the bench as a substitute option while letting another veteran in Davidson take the starting role for the opener.