The US Women’s National Team is back to business. Just months after securing gold at the Paris Olympics, the American squad is set to return to the pitch for some friendly action. However, more than the excitement, wrath was unleashed over the roster announcement for the October clashes due to some obligations put due to obligations imposed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. This has prompted Emma Hayes to step up and extinguish the situation.

Having announced her 24-player squad, the English tactician addressed the media virtually. One journalist raised concerns about the team playing in a smaller venue, like Lynn Family Stadium, given that they are accustomed to larger ones. However, this was least of Hayes’ concern who quickly added, “I’m always concerned with the atmosphere. I like the right atmosphere for the players. It’s not about the size [of the venue]; whether that be small, whether that be large.”

Interestingly, the 47-year-old then went on to express further confidence in all the Olympic-based players called up for the friendlies. “I’ve said so many times I just want to bring the players out and put them in front of the fans. The players who’ve come back from the Olympics, I think they deserve the opportunity to be celebrated at home,” said Hayes, whether the match is in Austin, Nashville, or Louisville—the exact venues, where USWNT will be facing Iceland twice on October 24 and 27 and Argentina on October 30.

“For us, we are all just really excited to be back on home soil—I sound American now saying that—and get a chance to be with the fans and most importantly be together. We’re looking forward to seeing each other,” added the former Chelsea boss, clearly dismissing any concerns about her lack of input in selecting the roster.

Notably, the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) requires all available players who participated in the Summer Games in France to be called up for the victory tour matches, which has left many fans agitated. But Hayes seems to have a world of optimism: “I love that we get to see most of our Olympic Team again after a few months, but I also love getting to work with some newer players and evaluate how they perform in our environment,” she said in a statement.

While there remains some kind of commotion regarding the 24-player roster, might as we take a deeper look at it.

Hit or miss in Emma Hayes’ post-Olympic 24-player rosters

Out of the 22 who returned to the States with gold medals, only 18 have reunited with Emma Hayes. Notably absent for the upcoming friendlies is Trinity Rodman, who despite returning from a back injury during the Washington Spirit’s 4-1 victory over Racing Louisville, remains in rehab for the NWSL playoffs.

Another notable absence is Croix Bethune, who was placed on the Spirit’s season-ending injury list after she tore her meniscus while throwing the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game in late August. Similarly, defender Tierna Davidson also sustained an injury over the weekend while playing for Gotham FC. Finally, US Soccer described Crystal Dunn’s absence due to personal commitments.

On a positive note, two familiar faces—midfielder Ashley Sanchez and forward Alyssa Thompson—return after last being called up for the 2023 World Cup. Additionally, Hayes has named six players yet to earn their first cap, including Olympic squad members Hal Hershfelt and Emily Sams.

Also included are PSG center-back Eva Gaetino, making her second appearance on the USWNT roster, along with first-time senior call-ups defender Alyssa Malonson and forwards Yazmeen Ryan and Emma Sears.

What are your thoughts on the roster? Let us know in the comments.