The stunning quality of the ‘Triple Espresso‘ continues to impress critics and fans alike. Gone are those days when the USWNT couldn’t find replacements for Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Carli Lloyd. They struggled for goals. But Emma Hayes took control of the team and unleashed three talented forwards upfront – Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith. Moreover, legends of the USWNT took notice and Becky Sauerbrunn gave a shout-out to one of the forwards, also her teammate at Portland Thorns.

During an interview, the host from Womensgamemib questioned Sauerbrunn about a player on the USWNT roster. With the NWSL season about to resume, the cameras shine brightly on the USWNT players after their Olympic gold medal. Therefore, the interviewer wanted to know one player who would have the greatest impact in the remaining ten games of the season. Sauerbrunn didn’t even blink to answer.

She stated, “That’s like a terrible question to ask me. I’m also incredibly biased and I’m always going to say Sophia Smith will have the greatest impact because I see it day in and day out. Like I live it. And so, I am going to go with Soph Smith.” The duo plays together which might question a bit of bias in her selection. You see, many say Swanson was the best player in the USWNT in Paris. But, make no mistake about it, Smith is talented.

Well, without any doubt, Smith has drawn plaudits for her game in Paris. The telepathic understanding between Rodman and Swanson had shades of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar during those glory days of Barcelona. The movement felt sharp and crisp and they knew what they were doing on the pitch. Thus, one can say Emma Hayes completely transformed them. Likewise, Sophia Smith mentioned how she impressed her tactically. 

Sophia Smith credits Emma Hayes for the change in roles!

Notably, Smith plays for the Portland Thorns in the NWSL. The team lies in 5th place with 27 points. They have their task cut out in the league and with 10 games remaining, it won’t be easy. Yet, the role Smith plays for her team would now be unique. She has the option of playing two different roles. For the Portland Thorns, she drops deep, moves into the channels, and links up play to get the team going. However, it is a unique situation with the USWNT.

Emma Hayes wanted her to stay inside the penalty box and score goals. Some may say, a fox in the box like the great Manchester United player, Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Hayes carved a plan to maximize Smith’s output, which turned out to be a masterstroke. During the Olympics, Smith had 3 goals and 2 assists in 6 appearances. On the other hand, for Portland Thorns, so far, she has 10 goals and 6 assists in 14 matches.

Thorns’ head coach Rob Gale has a decision to make. He can use Emma Hayes’s recipe for success by deploying her in a new role. Otherwise, she could continue her normal role with the Thorns and lead them to a final league push to help the team.

To sum up, the USWNT and Portland Thorns have a special player in their hands, with the talented Sophia Smith!