The U.S. women’s national team closed out 2024 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Netherlands, capping a year of resurgence under head coach Emma Hayes. Despite missing key players like Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson, the USWNT demonstrated resilience and a refusal to succumb to excuses, earning the win after coming back from a 1-0 deficit. This victory further solidified their position at the top of women’s soccer, though it also served as a reminder that their 2024 Olympic gold did not resolve all their challenges.
The U.S. faced significant struggles throughout the match, being outshot 23-5 and overwhelmed at times by the Netherlands’ superior passing and positional play. Despite these difficulties, the team managed to secure the win, illustrating that while they have made strides under Hayes, they still need to improve technically and tactically to remain competitive at the highest level. Hayes herself acknowledged this, noting that the Olympic success provided a strong foundation but wasn’t a guaranteed predictor of future dominance.
Appointed as the highest-paid coach in women’s soccer history in May 2024, Hayes quickly revitalized the USWNT. She restored self-belief, mental toughness, and joy among the players, with team captain Lindsey Horan praising Hayes’ calming influence. However, Hayes has been keenly aware of the areas that still need work, especially considering the tactical shortcomings that became evident during the 2023 World Cup and were again apparent in the Netherlands match.
Looking ahead, Hayes has already begun working on a long-term strategy for the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. She has been thoroughly analyzing the Olympics, gathering insights from data and discussions with staff, and will present a comprehensive plan in January to ensure the team’s growth over the next few years. This includes evolving the team’s tactics and aligning them with broader development strategies for women’s soccer in the U.S.
In the short term, Hayes has begun integrating new talent into the squad, broadening the player pool. Recent call-ups, including newcomers who impressed in a 0-0 draw against England, are part of her effort to build depth. While the USWNT has been revived under her leadership, Hayes is focused on transforming the team into a more cohesive and dynamic unit for future success. Despite a fluky own goal and Naeher’s heroic performance in the win over the Netherlands, Hayes recognizes that much work remains ahead. Transforming the team into a true powerhouse is now her next challenge.
