The U.S. women’s national team finished off a sweep of its two January friendlies with a 5-0 win over Chile in Santa Barbara, California, on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Emma Hayes trotted out a completely rotated lineup from the one that defeated Paraguay on Saturday, Jan. 24. Despite those changes, the side didn’t miss a beat, taking care of business with ease at Harder Stadium.
It was a night of firsts as Croix Bethune, Jameese Joseph, and Emily Sams all opened their international accounts in the opening 45 minutes to give the U.S. a 3-0 lead going into halftime.
Emma Sears and second-half substitute Trinity Rodman added to the goal count after the break as the Americans cruised to the finish line.
Let’s take a look back at how the USWNT players fared another one-sided friendly victory.
GK: Claudia Dickey – 6
Two matches, zero shots on goal allowed for the team. Another night of inactivity between the posts for an American goalkeeper.
LB: Kate Wiesner – 6
There wasn’t as much emphasis on flank play and overlaps for the team in this one, so Wiesner didn’t get involved nearly as much as Saturday’s starter Izzy Rodriguez. Couple that with nothing to do on the other end of the field and it was a quiet night for the Spirit defender.
CB: Emily Sams – 8
On a night with little to do defensively, Sams got bored and decided to get involved on the scoresheet. She notched her first international goal by staying in the box after a set piece and finishing off a Emma Sears pass in front of goal.
She was also credited with an assist for a long ball down the right flank that Sears turned into a magnificent solo goal.
CB: Hal Hershfelt – 6.5
One center back enjoyed all the fun on the night, while the other had very little to do. Playing deeper than her usual midfield role, Hershfelt still offered up three defensive contributions despite the ball barely finding her half of the field.
RB: Ayo Oke – 7
Oke made an impact just 18 minutes into her international career. She recorded an assist on the game’s opening goal with a very nice centered pass into the feet of Bethune. Other than the goal, she had nothing to do on the defensive end of things and didn’t get forward all too often in her 45 minutes on the field.
CM: Sam Meza – 6.5
A solid showing to help control midfield. Credited with one key pass, five recoveries, and three defensive contributions, she did a little bit of everything without standing out.
CM: Riley Jackson – 7
It was much of the same for Meza’s midfield partner, however an assist on Rodman’s great goal will boost up her performance meter just a bit. Otherwise, it was a perfectly fine showing, if not spectacular for the debutant.
CAM: Croix Bethune – 8
After getting her first international goal stolen away by an official scorer decision at the weekend, Bethune left no doubt in opening her account in this one. She did very well to control a pass from Oke, got away from her marker with some strength, and finished clinically.
Other than the goal, she helped run the attack through that advanced midfield spot, often roaming around the field making it difficult for Chile to keep track of her.
LW: Emma Sears – 8.5
It was another fine showing for Sears, who easily could’ve had her second career international hat trick with a little luck. After hitting the post twice in the first half, she bagged her goal with a sensational solo effort and finish just after halftime.
She was also dynamic on the wing, setting up another goal. Every time Sears steps on the field something good happens. More important minutes for this team could be in her future.
FW: Jameese Joseph – 8.5
Joseph put up possibly the best performance of these two friendlies with a great showing after getting the start up top. Her turn to set up her first international goal was something special.
In addition to that lovely piece of skill, she caused havoc for Chile’s back line with some dynamic runs in behind and dangerous service into the box on more than one occasion. Joseph may have improved her stock the most of anyone in this camp.
RW: Yazmeen Ryan – 6.5
Probably the quietest of the attackers on the night, though she was credited with an assist on Joseph’s beautiful goal. However, it wasn’t a noticeably impactful performance otherwise.
Sub: Jordyn Bugg – 6.5
Came in and helped continue the team’s dominance in her 45 minutes. She completed 90% of her passes, while going a perfect 13 for 13 in long balls. It was a positive showing for the youngest player on the roster.
Sub: Trinity Rodman – 7.5
Yes, she scored an amazing goal right after coming onto the field. Blah, blah, blah. More importantly, she got Emma Hayes to celebrate with her.
Sub: Ally Sentnor – 6
Sentnor showed some solid hold-up play as the team’s focal point up top after coming on. But the level of dynamic movement in the final third dropped a little bit after Joseph was removed.
Sub: Claire Hutton – 6
Didn’t get involved much in her 25 minutes. There are surely better days ahead for the youngster.
Sub: Maddie Dahlien – 5.5
Struggled a bit keeping possession and completing passes, ending the match with only six successful passes in 13 attempts.
Sub: Olivia Moultrie – 6
Really didn’t get involved much in her cameo, but did have one key pass to set up a chance.