The U.S. has secured a spot in the quarterfinals, but that still leaves some major decisions for Hayes against Australia
There aren't any meaningful stakes for the U.S. women's national team in their group stage match against Australia on Wednesday, at least in term of advancement. They're already through to the Olympics' knockout rounds, and barring an unfathomable disaster, they'll finish atop their group.
This is less about positioning in the standings, more more about positioning in terms of form, confidence, health and momentum.
The work has been done in the first two matches, which the U.S. won by a collective score of 7-1, so in some ways, this is the game before the big game. That's mostly true, but not totally.
While the USWNT's knockout spot is sealed, it's still important how they actually arrive at the next round of the Olympics. Will they coming fresh off yet another high, or will they stumble in with a new lesson learned?
Their opponents, Australia, will be fighting for their tournament lives, so the intensity will be there regardless. U.S. coach Emma Hayes will have some decisions to make when it comes to matching that intensity. Does she take this opportunity to shake things up? Does she let her main team continue to build chemistry in her new system or systems? Is there value in really going for it to continue momentum? Or does caution win the day with bigger moments on the horizon?
It's all TBD. Hayes is rarely predictable, and she won't be here, either. The USWNT's new coach is known for her surprises, which means just about anything can happen on Wednesday. That's good news for those watching on but also good news for her players, as chances will be there for everyone on the roster to impress.
So what should Hayes consider? What will the USWNT look like? GOAL takes a look at the keys to the final group stage match against Australia.
GettyWhat's up with Jaedyn Shaw?
Throughout the first two Olympic tests, the U.S. has done just fine without Jaedyn Shaw. In fact, they've done better than expected. They haven't needed their 19-year-old star, as this team's attack has gone nuclear even without her.
They'll need her before this is all said and done, though, and entering the third group match, she remains out. Shaw has yet to play in this tournament as her Olympic debut has been delayed by a leg injury. Hayes confirmed Tuesday that Shaw won't feature against Australia.
Sophia Smith, Mal Swanson and Trinity Rodman have ensured that her absence hasn't hurt the U.S. in their opening games, scoring six goals between them. Even so, the teenager is a game-changer, one who will be key during the business end of this tournament.
She hasn't had a chance to work out the jitters that will surely be there as when she does eventually enter her first major tournament. It would have been preferable to have her work out those jitters in, say, an essentially meaningless group stage game. It would have been the perfect moment for her to get a taste of competition at this level.
Unfortunately, that isn't the case as the U.S. must continue to wait.
AdvertisementGettyLynn Williams time?
Lynn Williams made the most of her chance against Germany. The Gotham FC took her chance well to put a bow on the 4-1 win, furthering her reputation as a game-changing supersub.
That's why she's here, and given the abundance attacking talent, she won't start in the knockouts. Should she start this one, though?
It may be worth considering. Given the tight turnarounds in this tournament, rest is at a premium. Perhaps Hayes should rest Smith, who did score twice last game but was also nursing a knock for the opener. Perhaps she should rest Swanson, who is only a few months removed from a horrible injury. Or perhaps she should rest Rodman, who tracks back with massive intensity, expending energy in the process.
No matter who sits – if Hayes makes that call – Williams is more than capable of starting and, in this scenario, it makes sense to do it.
GettyProblems in central defense
Let's be honest: as long as Naomi Girma's healthy, the USWNT will be stellar. Who will be next to her, though?
Tierna Davidson's injury makes that a bit complicated. Hayes confirmed Tuesday that Davidson will miss the Australia match, a blow to a position without much dept. It's really just Emily Sonnett. Emily Sams can come in as an alternate, but there's a drop-off after Sonnett, isn't there?
Sonnett is a very good defender, but she's also a valuable security blanket off the bench. She can play as a centerback, fullback or defensive midfielder, which makes her a supersub that Hayes must love. Starting her takes away that bench option and, unfortunately, there isn't anyone else that provides the same versatility.
Such is life at the Olympics, where squads are limited to just 18 players. Injuries can derail things, as Davidson unfortunately learned.
Getty ImagesGive youth a chance
This team has plenty of experience, but there are some youngsters who could definitely benefit from playing a game at the Olympic level.
Jenna Nighswonger, for example. Crystal Dunn has been the go-to starter at left-back, limiting her Gotham FC teammate to just 25 minutes so far. Many thought Nighswonger would be the starter this tournament but, to Dunn's credit, she's more than earned the role with her performances.
Nighswonger has proven herself trustworthy in the months since her debut, which is why she was in contention to start to begin with. Giving her significant minutes in this game would do wonders for her confidence and comfort heading into the knockouts, where this team could need her.
The same can be said for Korbin Albert. She's the closest this team has to a Rose Lavelle replacement but, so far, she's played just one half of soccer. In that half, she replaced Lavelle as a precaution. Given Lavelle's injury history, why not let her start for the same reason?
Dunn and Lavelle are veterans. Maybe Hayes should keep them on ice for the knockouts and let these two young guns prove themselves.