USWNT Faces Brazil's 'Chaos' in World Cup Preparations The United States women’s national team (USWNT) will face Brazil in a pair of friendly matches this week, with head coach Emma Hayes describing the Brazilian side as a formidable challenge due to their chaotic style of play. The games, set for São Paulo on Saturday and Fortaleza on Tuesday, will take place in 2027 Women’s World Cup venues, giving the Americans a rare opportunity to experience playing as the away team. Hayes emphasized that the matches are designed to expose her squad to the unique pressures and tactics Brazil employs, which she believes will prepare them for the tournament’s intensity. Brazil, under head coach Arthur Elias, has built a reputation for its high-energy, physical approach, which Hayes has repeatedly highlighted as a major disruptor for opponents. During a press conference on Friday, Hayes praised Elias and Brazil’s “conveyor belt of talent,” acknowledging the host nation’s status as one of the favorites. “When you experience a crowd here with an identity as clear as theirs, I think most teams in the world will tell you they are the toughest team to play,” she said. The Brazilian team’s style, characterized by frequent throw-ins and a lack of long pass sequences, creates a chaotic environment that forces opponents to adapt quickly. Hayes provided specific statistics to underscore the challenge: Brazil’s matches feature 117% more throw-ins than the average game and zero eight-plus pass sequences. “It can be chaotic at times and you’re having to solve pressure offensively and solve a lot of problems defensively very quickly,” USWNT defender Tierna Davidson noted. The team’s preparation includes addressing these demands, with Davidson emphasizing the need to identify open players offensively and cover defensive spaces effectively.#uswnt #emma_hayes #brazil #sao_paulo #fortaleza
USWNT vs. Colombia: Starting XI and Lineup Notes for March 7 Match The U.S. Women’s National Team will face Colombia in a crucial SheBelieves Cup match on Saturday, March 7, at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. Kickoff is set for 3:37 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max in English, and Universo and Peacock in Spanish. Radio coverage will be available on Westwood One in English and Futból de Primera in Spanish. The U.S. squad, led by captain Naomi Girma, has named a Starting XI that includes 11 players with 47.5 combined caps, marking the most experienced lineup since October 2025. Head coach Emma Hayes made two adjustments to the lineup, replacing Claire Hutton with Lily Yohannes and Gisele Thompson with Avery Patterson. The Starting XI features six players with FIFA Women’s World Cup or Olympic experience, including Rose Lavelle, Emily Sonnett, Emily Fox, Girma, Trinity Rodman, and Sam Coffey. Phallon Tullis-Joyce earns her sixth cap and second consecutive start in her first SheBelieves Cup tournament. The 29-year-old, who recently returned from a break, will play her first international match with the team. Rose Lavelle, the most capped player in the Starting XI, will make her 118th appearance and 98th start, surpassing Emily Sonnett’s 115 caps. Sonnett, who has competed in all 11 SheBelieves Cups, holds the record for the most individual tournament wins with seven. Emily Fox, the Arsenal right back, will make her 73rd cap and 62nd start, having contributed to a clean sheet in the previous match. Naomi Girma, the 25-year-old captain, will lead the team for the fifth time, having reached 50 caps on December 1, 2025. Trinity Rodman, at 23, will earn her 52nd cap and 32nd start, becoming the 22nd fastest player to reach 50 caps.#shebelieves_cup #colombia #uswnt #naomi_girma #sports_illustrated_stadium
USWNT vs. Colombia: SheBelieves Cup Final Set for Saturday The U.S. women’s national team will face Colombia in the final match of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup on Saturday, March 7, at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. The game, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET, marks a critical opportunity for the U.S. to reclaim the tournament title after their five-game winning streak was ended by Japan in 2025. A win or draw would secure their first SheBelieves Cup victory under head coach Emma Hayes, who took over the team in June 2024. The U.S. squad, led by Hayes, enters the final with momentum following a 1-0 victory over Canada on Wednesday. This win solidified their position at the top of the tournament table with six points, giving them a strong foundation for the final. The team’s experience and depth will be key as they face a Colombia side that, despite missing several key players, remains a formidable opponent. Colombia, coached by Angelo Marsiglia, has been inconsistent in the tournament. Their opening match against Canada ended in a 4-1 loss, though they narrowly defeated Argentina 1-0. The squad, which includes players like Linda Caicedo and Greicy Landazury, will be tested by the U.S. team’s tactical approach and defensive organization. Forward Ally Sentnor, who scored the game-winning goal against Canada, is expected to play a pivotal role in the final. Sentnor, who previously competed in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, has adapted to her role as a forward after playing in different positions during her youth club days. She emphasized her willingness to contribute in any capacity, highlighting her speed and agility as assets to the team. Defenders Giselle Thompson and Avery Patterson may also see increased playing time, with Thompson starting consecutive games for the first time under Hayes’ tenure.#shebelieves_cup #colombia #uswnt #emma_hayes #angelo_marsiglia
Carli Lloyd Confronts Online Trolls For Attacking Alexi Lalas’ Political Stance Carli Lloyd, a former USWNT star and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, took a firm stand against online critics who targeted her colleague and FOX Sports analyst Alexi Lalas for his conservative political views. The controversy erupted after a social media user labeled Lalas a “fascist” for expressing his belief that the United States is the greatest country in the world. Lloyd, known for her fiery personality and historic 2015 World Cup hat trick, responded by calling out the hypocrisy of those who attacked Lalas while ignoring similar criticism of other analysts with differing perspectives. Lloyd’s reaction came after she witnessed what she described as “pure political posturing” and attempts to dismiss Lalas as a “conservative sidekick.” In a post on X, she clarified her stance: “Views? You don’t even know my views. I’ve never voiced them nor does it matter. I’m a soccer analyst. I don’t pretend to be an expert in anything else.” She emphasized her focus on sports analysis and her refusal to engage in political debates, calling out the double standard that allows some analysts to inject politics into discussions while others face backlash for holding different opinions. Lalas, who has consistently defended his belief in American exceptionalism, has remained steadfast in his views. He previously stated, “I believe that the United States is the greatest country in the history of the world, and I will never apologize for that.” His comments have made him a frequent target of progressive critics, particularly as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches and tensions over the direction of American soccer intensify.#uswnt #fox_sports #carli_lloyd #alexilalas #2026_fifa_world_cup
Dublin Native Emma Sears Makes Impact with USWNT Ahead of SheBelieves Cup in Columbus Emma Sears, a forward for the U.S. women’s national team, is set to make her mark in her hometown as the SheBelieves Cup returns to Columbus for the second time. The event, which took place in 2024 before Sears gained national team recognition, now marks a significant milestone in her career. Sears, a native of Dublin, Ohio, will represent the U.S. in her hometown for the first time, with over 30 friends and family members in attendance to support her. Sears, who has made 14 appearances for the national team since October 2024, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to play in Columbus. “It’s really nice to be home,” she said, highlighting the comfort of having familiar faces in the stadium. Her journey to the national team began with a strong foundation in central Ohio, where she played for Dublin Jerome High School and later joined Ohio State University. After earning All-Ohio honors as a junior and senior, Sears transitioned to collegiate soccer, becoming a three-year starter for the Buckeyes. During her five seasons at Ohio State, she scored 25 goals, recorded 15 assists, and tallied two hat tricks, joining a select group of players with multiple hat tricks in program history. Sears’ professional career took off when she was selected 28th overall by Racing Louisville FC in the NWSL draft. She quickly made an impact, breaking into the starting lineup within two months and setting a rookie record with five goals in her first season. Her performances caught the attention of U.S. national team coach Emma Hayes, who acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from a non-traditional path to the national team.#shebelieves_cup #uswnt #ohio_state_university #emma_sears #racing_louisville_fc
