In a decisive 4-0 victory over Ireland, U.S. Women's Soccer coach Emma Hayes continued to freshen her squad by granting first caps to two players, bringing the total to 24 debuts under her leadership. The match showcased defender Izzy Rodriguez scoring on her debut and highlighted the emotional experience of newcomers. Hayes aims to build a deep player pool as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup, demonstrated by completely changing the lineup, a rare occurrence in USWNT history.
''It's so surreal,'' Rodriguez told the TNT broadcast at halftime. ''I think this team has been everything, and they've really welcomed me into this group, and it made me want to cry. I was so emotional on the field, so I'm really happy I got to embrace it with all of them.''
Hayes officially took over the USWNT just over a year ago and won an Olympic gold medal in her 10th game in charge in August. Since then, she has promised to deepen the player pool on the road to the 2027 World Cup.
On Sunday, Hayes changed the entire starting XI from the squad that defeated Ireland 4-0 three days earlier. It marked only the seventh time in the USWNT's history -- and second this year -- that the entire lineup changed from one game to the next.
Defender Izzy Rodriguez and midfielder Sam Meza were the two latest players to wear the USWNT shirt in a match for the first time under Hayes and Rodriguez scored.
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