For years, there’s been talk about how men’s soccer has been more dominant than the women’s game. However, when it comes to the US national teams, the ladies edge out the men, having won 4 World Cup titles compared to none for the men. For USWNT future star, Alyssa Thompson has been rubbing shoulders with guys ever since she started playing the beautiful game, and she matched them equally on the playing field. 

Not only Alyssa but her sister Gisele Thompson have played on the boys’ teams in MLS Next Side Total Futbol Academy. The duo started their careers in track and field, often competing against older athletes before switching to soccer. Now having represented the United States at multiple camps, Alyssa reflects how playing in mixed teams from a young age helped them develop their game. 

“When we had to play like our first touch had to be perfect and our next pass had to be perfect (too)” Alyssa told ex-USMNT star Sam Mewis on an episode of ‘The Women’s Game’, highlighting the added pressure of being the only girl on the team, messing up would get her in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. 

“They expected a lot from you technically so I feel like going into the women’s game, I felt my technical abilities were there with them when I went pro which was really helpful” added Alyssa, who by the age of 13 was playing with players four years older than her. She was the only female player in Total Futbol Academy’s U-19 and U-17 teams. 

“Every game we had to prove that we were meant to be there and playing with boys is not really done a lot, especially being the only girl on the team,” said Thompson. Both the sisters had exceptional talent that saw them quickly be transferred onto the boys’ teams early in their careers. Now having represented the United States on multiple levels, they will be the future pillars for the women’s side, however, like the Thompsons, the head coach may switch to the counterparts. 

Emma Hayes to coach USWNT and USMNT?

US Soccer CEO JT Batson hinted at the possibility of a single coach leading both the national teams. One of the reasons they built a state-of-the-art national training center was to create such an opportunity, for possibly, Emma Hayes, who mentions that job-sharing management roles already exist in various soccer programs.

While the ex-Chelsea boss did not directly mention taking over from Mauricio Pochettino, given the recent progress in women’s soccer, perhaps the men’s side needs someone of similar caliber. Though the chances of these happening are very unlikely, in the past managers have juggled between international and club duties. 

With the upcoming World Cup in 2027, Brazil, and the 2028 Olympics taking place in their hometown of Los Angeles, Gisele and Alyssa Thompson will be hoping that their club performances are enough for them to wear the red, blue, and white when the time comes. And looking at the statistics, the scales may tip in their favor.