Sun Jun 29 18:10:00 UTC 2025: **Headline: Hayes to Continue Roster Rotation as USWNT Faces Ireland in Cincinnati**
Cincinnati, OH – U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes plans to continue experimenting with the roster as the team prepares for its second match against Ireland in four days, this time at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon. Hayes emphasized the importance of evaluating the depth of the national team pool, particularly as the squad looks towards the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Following a dominant 4-0 victory over Ireland on Thursday, a game that saw the triumphant return of midfielder Rose Lavelle after a six-month injury layoff and three players earning their first caps, Hayes is expected to give more players an opportunity to prove themselves.
“Progress, always,” Hayes said when asked about her goals for this international window. “When you play the same opponent twice in four days, is (seeing) how quickly you can learn. Not just about yourself, but when an opponent makes adaptations, how are you going to look to exploit that? So, (looking at those) details… particularly with the fact that I’m going to be making changes.”
Since taking over as head coach last year, Hayes has already given senior team debuts to 21 players. This roster notably excludes many European-based veterans, as Hayes has granted them a necessary summer break after demanding seasons. Chelsea’s Naomi Girma is the only European-based player on the current 25-player squad.
The match in Cincinnati holds special significance for Lavelle, a hometown hero. After a spectacular return on Thursday, where she contributed a goal and an assist, Hayes will carefully manage her playing time. “I have to proceed with a bit of caution, because she’s just coming back, so it’s a really tight turnaround,” Hayes explained.
Looking ahead, the USWNT will travel to Washington, D.C., to face continental rival Canada on Wednesday at Audi Field, completing a busy three-game week.
First Piper 