Emma Hayes walked into the SheBelieves Cup final last month riding a wave of momentum, but Japan had other plans. In a game that kept fans on edge, Yuka Momiki struck early, setting the tone just two minutes in. The U.S. wasn’t about to back down, though—Ally Sentnor, the rising star and U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year, answered back in the 14th minute with a beauty, assisted by Catarina Macario. But the real heartbreaker came in the 50th minute when Toko Koga, fresh off the bench, delivered the final blow, handing the U.S. its first loss under Hayes.

Just like that, the Americans’ five-year reign in the tournament was over. For a team that hadn’t lost to Japan since 2012 and had been undefeated in the last 14 matchups, this one stung. But if there’s one thing about Emma Hayes, she doesn’t dwell—she recalibrates. With the 2024 Olympics final rematch on the horizon, she’s already turning the setback into a strategy session. She’s been shaking up the lineup, testing new goalkeeping options after Alyssa Naeher’s retirement, and making sure every player is ready for the high-stakes battles ahead. The SheBelieves loss? Just fuel for the fire.

Emma Hayes isn’t here to dwell—she’s here to elevate. After that tough loss to Japan, she made it clear that the USWNT is shifting gears. In a video shared by Attacking Third: Soccer Highlights and Commentary, she didn’t hold back. “I’m going to take it up a notch to make sure we take the learnings from the Japan game and then we leave behind what we don’t want,” she stated. No overthinking, no baggage—just sharpening their edge for what’s next. And what’s next? A battle. “It’s going to be a game of jewels, a game of restarts,” she said, setting the tone for the high-stakes clash against Brazil.

But Hayes isn’t just focused on strategy—she’s demanding a whole new level of intensity. “We absolutely have to make sure that physically we are at a level to compete with Brazil and make sure on our home turf that we deliver the expectations that I set for the team,” she continued. No shortcuts, no excuses—just pure fire. The message? The U.S. isn’t just showing up—they’re bringing the fight.

Oh, you know this rematch with Brazil hits different—because last time these two squads clashed, the U.S. walked away draped in Olympic gold. It was a game of razor-sharp instincts, and Mallory Swanson proved just that when she yelled at Sophia Smith to hold up—Smith was offside, but Swanson wasn’t. And just like that, with a 57th-minute strike, the U.S. sealed a 1-0 victory, reclaiming their throne with their first Olympic gold since 2012.

Under the fresh leadership of Emma Hayes, the team stormed through Paris undefeated, turning doubters into believers and bringing home their fifth Olympic title. And now? Oh, it’s personal. The U.S. is gearing up to face Brazil again. Full-circle moment? Absolutely. But Hayes isn’t just here for nostalgia—she’s here to win. The coach has already revealed her power roster, and you best believe she’s got a game plan locked and loaded.

Coach Emma Hayes reveals the roster!

Emma Hayes dropped her power roster for the April showdown against Brazil, and oh boy, it’s got everything—Olympic heroes, fresh faces, and a whole lot of fire. The U.S. is rolling into SoFi Stadium on April 5 and PayPal Park on April 8 with 24 ballers ready to prove why they wear the red, white, and blue. Trinity Rodman is back, and if that doesn’t get you hyped, nothing will. Last time she suited up for the USWNT? Oh, just the Olympic gold medal game, no big deal. And now, she’s about to tear it up 60 miles from her hometown.

This squad is a mix of seasoned vets and rising stars, and Hayes is making one thing clear—every spot is earned. “All of the players know they have to earn every roster spot, every starting spot, and every minute they get as a finisher off the bench,” she said. And with a team featuring NWSL standouts, European talents, and even a few uncapped players, this camp is about sharpening skills and turning up the heat. Ally Sentnor and Michelle Cooper, who bagged their first international goals at the SheBelieves Cup, are back for more, while defender Avery Patterson is getting her first-ever senior call-up. The battle for a starting role? Oh, it’s on.

And let’s talk hometown ties because this roster is dripping with them. Rodman, Alyssa Thompson, and Tara McKeown all have roots in SoCal, ready to bring the heat at SoFi, while Bay Area legends Tierna Davidson, Catarina Macario, and Jane Campbell are gearing up for their home turf moment in San Jose. The U.S. soccer team is stacked, and with Brazil on the other side, this isn’t just any matchup—it’s a rematch with history.