When the draw for the friendly fixture between the USWNT and the Netherlands was made, fans were excited for what promised to be an exciting clash between two heavyweights ahead of the international break. The match ended in a narrow 2-1 win for Emma Hayes’ side, but former USWNT star, Sam Mewis pointed out that their side barely managed to scrape through the Dutch dominance, and got lucky. 

On paper, the Netherlands dominated the game with 22 shots compared to just 5 for the USWNT, 14 of those coming in the first half alone. While substitutions in the second half pretty much changed the course of the game, Mewsi highlighted that the Americans appeared vulnerable, especially during the set-pieces. After all, the ‘Oranje’ broke the deadlock through one of the nine corners they had during the match. 

“We looked particularly vulnerable on set pieces, and I have a few questions about this,” said Mewis on the episode of her podcast ‘The Women’s Game’. “Vulnerability on set pieces can be a sign of a few things, a lineup that doesn’t have that much experience together, it’s also like the end of the year and maybe this camp, they didn’t spend as much time on set-pieces”

Mewis does make a valid point as Hayes’ side did have key players rested, especially the trio of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson. “It was a shame to see us a little bit shaky in those areas when we really pride ourselves as an organization that dominates in those areas” added Mewis who questioned whether ‘height’ played a factor in this game. 

Regardless, Emma Hayes maintains her perfect record thanks to a Lynn Williams winner in the 71st minute, who had yet another occasion to celebrate. The Dutch were unlucky as 18-year-old Veerle Buurman found herself scoring on both sides of the field. However, there was another teenage sensation with a Dutch link that made the headlines. 

Emma Hayes criticized for not starting Lily Yohannes

17-year-old Lily Yohannes earned her second cap for the USWNT, after recently choosing to represent the Stars and Stripes over the Netherlands. Coming on as a substitute, the midfielder outclassed her opponents and provided the winning assist for Lynn Williams. Colombian footballer Sebastián Salazar believes that they could have avoided the embarrassment in the first half had they started the youngster. 

While there was pressure playing at home in front of a Dutch crowd, many of who had seen her rise through Ajax’s ranks, Yohannes delivered despite being booed by the crowd. During the post-game interview, Emma Hayes was full of praise for the youngster. 

As the USWNT begins its long international break, Emma Hayes will have plenty of time to fix the issues that have surfaced. Perhaps a call to Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover may fix her set-piece woes. Jokes aside, the former Chelsea boss sets eyes on the SheBelieves Cup, with her side already considered favorites to win it again.