The USWNT midfielder scored a big goal as she continues to put this summer's disappointment behind her.
After deploying a super strong team in a 3-0 rout against China over the weekend, Twila Kilgore shook things up on Tuesday. In a match against the same opponent, Kilgore gave some new faces a chance, with varying success.
In the end, it resulted in a 2-1 win over China, one that saw the U.S. women's national team come from behind to seal the win. It wasn't nearly as one-sided as the first match, but it was equally impressive, as the USWNT eventually figured out China's low block to erase any frustration from a lackluster first half.
In the end, several newer faces stole the show. Both goalscorers are players that were not part of the World Cup squad, but will now have realistic Olympic dreams. Those preparations remain ongoing but, for a few players in the team, this will have been a big step forward on the road to next summer's tournament.
GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Toyota Stadium…
GettyWINNER: Sam Coffey
In the months leading up to the World Cup, USWNT fans were all left wondering: where is Sam Coffey? When the actual World Cup started, those questions grew louder. Given the team's issues in midfield, how could Coffey be left out?
Well, Coffey is continuing to make the outside world wonder "what if". More importantly, though, she's continuing to prove that the past is the past, and that she should be part of the USWNT's present and future.
The goal was an obvious exclamation point, one that left even Coffey stunned. The smile on her face said it all and, after the match, she admitted that she couldn't even fully remember how it all happened. Coffey was as shocked as anyone after scoring her first USWNT goal.
She doesn't get many, and that's not why she's here. Coffey is with the USWNT to help run the midfield, and she's shown she can do that a bit too.
The question is if she can do it as a single No. 6. Played next to Emily Sonnett here, can Coffey hold things down in a way that allows Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle to bomb forward? We'll find out eventually, as it seems Coffey is here for good after being left out for far too long.
AdvertisementLOSER: Ashley Hatch
Hatch is in something of a weird spot. With a legend like Alex Morgan and young guns like Sophia Smith and Mia Fishel behind her, Hatch is a player caught between two generations, in a way.
Because of that, Hatch faces something of an uphill battle for an Olympic spot, and that battle didn't get any easier after Tuesday night. Hatch provided plenty of energy and enthusiasm, making some things happen in her 45 minutes. She couldn't quite get the goal, though, and that will be held against her once again.
Fairly or unfairly, Hatch's history shows that she hasn't quite been able to bring her NWSL goalscoring to the USWNT. She's held to a tough standard, considering those around her, and it'll take something special for her to hold off a rising star Fishel, given what we've seen. With roster spots at a premium and time running out ahead of the Olympics, Hatch will need to start 2024 on fire to keep her name in the mix for a spot up top.
GettyWINNER: Jaedyn Shaw
She may only be 19, but Shaw seems ready for whatever the USWNT can throw at her.
That's two goals for her now, both in memorable stadiums. The first came in front of her club's hometown crowd and the second came in front of her actual hometown crowd. If the World Cup final was in a city that meant something to Shaw, history shows that no one would be able to stop her!
The goal was a cool one for the youngster, who really placed her shot to win the game. It was, however, not her only moment as Shaw showed signs throughout her time on the field. In the first half, she seemed oh so close, having a few good moments just failing to come off right at the end.
It all worked out eventually, and, so far in her USWNT career, everything seems to be going Shaw's way. It won't always be that way but, despite her age, Shaw's showing she has more than enough to her game to contribute in the short term, not just the long term.
LOSER: Emily Fox
Not a loser in the traditional sense, as Fox's stock didn't drop in the slightest. No, Fox is a loser because, physically, she's gonna feel this one for quite a while!
In a personal sense, every player on the field will have gone into this one looking to avoid injury. It's the last game of 2023, after all. After this, each of these players will go on a well-deserved vacation to get some much-needed rest ahead of a huge 2024. Fox, though, will start that vacation a bit beat up.
The fullback was fouled har several times, taking a beating throughout her 45 minutes. She nearly came out early after having her legs swiped on the edge of the box and ultimately did come out of the match at halftime due to concussion protocol.
Overall, it was a tough one for Fox, who didn't get the send-off she deserved after a fantastic 2023.
