The presence of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson was noticeably missed during the USWNT’s stalemate against England. Despite recording 11 shots with 3 on target compared to the Lionesses’ 4 shots and 1 on target, Emma Hayes‘ new forward line of Alyssa Thompson, Lynn Williams, and Emma Sears failed to find the back of the net. This prompted Ali Krieger to point out how the absence of Triple Espresso made the game a ‘little bit different.’

In the aftermath of the clash at Wembley, the USWNT icon gave her comments on the performances of both sides. Speaking about her former outfit, Krieger insisted that the first half wasn’t as exciting as the second one, as the locker room discussions during halftime focused on improving transitional moments and creating more effective chances in the attacking phase and final third. “I do think the USA had created more chances. Unfortunately, they couldn’t put them away,” she said on ESPN FC.

When asked if it’s a concern for her that USWNT is lacking in such departments, the former Gotham star affirmed by highlighting the absence of the most notable trio. “Without Triple Espresso, the game is a little bit different,” added Ali. However, Krieger did cut some slack for the new faces, especially the younger stars, as playing in front of 78,000+ people is an environment that can make some players have ‘anxious nervous energy.’

Even though neither side could find the back of the net, Krieger called it a good performance from the USWNT. She praised England’s remarkable box defending, stating, “They were really aware; building out of the back also created chances,” added the iconic defender. Without a doubt, the presence of Rodman, Smith, and Swanson would have had a significant impact on the game. While many might hit the panic button over the fact that USWNT does struggle in the absence of Tripple Espresso, this is exactly what Krieger wants Hayes and Co. to capitalize on.

Ali Krieger advises Emma Hayes and USWNT to ‘build relationships’

Of course, not every forward in the USWNT possesses the same quality as each band member of the Triple Espresso. Forwards other than Rodman, Smith, and Mallory bring different things to the table—the exact skill and technical ‘unpredictability‘ that Ali Krieger wants others to bring. “The question is who is going to be paired with different players, build those relationships, and who can make each other look good in that front three just as well as maybe Triple Espresso…” remarked Hayes.

That’s because Krieger warned Hayes that not every player will be at the team’s disposal throughout the time, especially during the World Cup. “You have to have players who are just as excited to take their opportunity, continue to perform well, and use their individual talent to bring that extra magic that they have when maybe other players can’t fit into the starting 11 at that time,” concluded Krieger, urging Hayes to prepare for such challenges.

Be that as it may, it remains to be seen how the USWNT and Emma Hayes address the challenges that may be posed in the future during the absence of Triple Espresso.