The final international window of 2024 comes to an end on a decent note for the USWNT. Following a stalemate against England, the American ladies secured a closely contested 1-2 win over the Netherlands to seal their year with a win. Both sides were expected to put on a much better goal-scoring display, Emma Hayes knew tonight’s game was going to be a ‘tricky‘ one.

The former Chelsea boss shared her thoughts in the aftermath of the clash at the Bingoal Stadium. Despite USWNT’s victory, the game mostly felt under the control of the home side, who took a whopping 22 shots on target with 7 on target and 58% possession compared to the away side’s 5 shots with 4 on target and 42% possession.

This only led Hayes to admit that the team had nothing but lessons to learn. As compiled by journalist Jeff Kassouf on X, Hayes said, “I can assure you I will learn a lot more today against top-class opposition away from home midweek than I will say home game in the sun against someone maybe not at the same level. … I knew this would be the tricky game of the two.”

Hayes also subtly suggests that US Soccer should schedule matches against teams of similar caliber to better challenge the USWNT. This would help prepare the team for larger challenges, like the next World Cup. However, the difficulty they faced can be attributed to Hayes’ strategic changes.

The USWNT’s lack of attacking options was linked to Hayes’ unique lineup choices. Jaedyn Shaw played as the sole No. 9, while the team employed a 5-midfield setup with Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Horan, Yazmeen Ryan, Sam Coffey, and Korbin Albert. Later in the game, Hayes introduced players like Williams, Alyssa Thompson, Ally Sentnor, and Lily Yohannes.

Whether this lineup hindered the team’s scoring chances is something only Hayes can assess. Still, the former Blues boss acknowledges that the game provided not only a crucial lesson but also highlighted their weaknesses.

Despite a rejuvenating win over the Netherlands, Emma Hayes remains ‘disappointed’ with the USWNT’s display

Emma Hayes expressed disappointment with her side’s performance at the Bingoal Stadium, especially in the first half, where she felt the team lacked cohesion and didn’t start the match on the right foot. She also believes the outcome could have been different for the Stars and Stripes if they had better control of the match. “Of course, I was disappointed with the way we played in the first half because listen if we’re not going to be at our best with the ball, we’d better be our best without it and I thought we got bullied and harassed and that frustrated me a little bit,” admitted the 48-year-old manager.

Notably, Veerle Tooske Janna Roos Buurman put the Netherlands ahead within 15 minutes. However, just before halftime, the highly rated 18-year-old defender unfortunately scored an own goal, leveling the game. Later, in the 70th minute, substitute Lynn Williams netted the winner for Hayes, securing a victory and preventing another draw for the USWNT.

Regardless, the good thing is that they were able to send off their retiring goalie Alyssa Naeher with a proper farewell. As for the game, they may analyze their mistakes and bounce back in the next one.