The US Women’s National Team kicked off their 2025 campaign as they were expected to. A comfortable 2-0 win was picked by the American ladies in yesterday’s SheBelieves Cup clash against Colombia. While everything may seem to be working well for the squad, Emma Hayes thinks otherwise. The English tactician believes the USWNT lacked the most crucial element—one that can be found in a Triple Espresso.

One knows Hayes’ job is to build a favorable environment where the players can understand their roles. It’s something that rarely takes much time. The drawback, you ask? Well, it’s something that Hayes needs time to figure out. “The hardest part in my position is I can’t give them the things that only time takes,” she said in the aftermath of the win.

Notably, Emma cited the example of Ali Sentnor and Catarina Macario. The former Chelsea boss acknowledged that the two forwards haven’t spent much time together. As a result, they will need more time to develop a strong connection on the field and become aware of each other’s tendencies. No wonder Hayes had to credit the trio of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson, who quickly built synergy with one another.

“The chemistry piece is the one that comes with time. That’s why I would think it’s fair to say, the Triple Espresso, for example, their chemistry was so strong because they played together so many times, probably through the youth level,” added Hayes.

A trio of Yazmeen Ryan, Ally Sentnor, and Catarina Macarino did more than what they could have. Not to mention all three never played like an attacking unit before. Then again, one can’t completely underestimate what they did on Thursday night. Lily Yohannes fired a beautiful chip pass for Ryan, who set up a goal for Catarina Macario in the 36th minute to also break her three-year-old goalscoring exile.

Around the hour mark, Sentnor unleashed a breathtaking long-range strike, netting her first-ever goal for the USWNT. Her spectacular finish had the entire Shell Energy Stadium erupting in celebration. Yet, in the eyes of Hayes, the team ‘didn’t do enough.’

Emma Hayes admits the USWNT ‘needs time’ to build chemistry

One can admit the absence of Triple Espresso was no less than a blessing in disguise. That way, the likes of Yazmeen Ryan, Ally Sentnor, and Catarina Macario were able to get their much-deserved chances. However, Emma Hayes hopes with time, the team is able to build the necessary cohesion for the future ahead.

“I think there were really good patches in our play up until the final third. But because of the lack of chemistry, I felt we didn’t do enough in though in that part of the pitch. It’s going to take us a little bit of time,” said Hayes. Well, time is something that the USWNT has, with the next World Cup or Olympics set for 2027 and 2028.

This gives them ample time to find a way to develop strong connections. In fact, for Hayes, the effort wasn’t in vain—she believes they managed to accomplish some of their objectives. Further calling her win a good start to the year, she added, “So much of the work we did in January really came to fruition tonight.”

Do you think this was all that the USWNT could have done against Colombia? Sound off in the comments.