The USWNT secured a close 2-1 win over Australia in yesterday’s Matchday 2 of the SheBelieves Cup. Once again, this game also proved to be quite momentous. Not only did Lynn Biyendolo open the scoring within 41 seconds, but Michelle Cooper also netted her first-ever international goal—apparently by taking a chance from her own teammate, Aly Sentnor. Even though Cooper apologized to Sentnor for the incident, Emma Hayes believes she didn’t need to.

You snooze, you lose—simple. Argue all you want that scoring your first goal by taking another player’s opportunity isn’t ideal. However, what matters more than helping your team secure a win, even if it comes at this type of cost? No wonder Hayes believes in striking while the iron is hot. “We all deserve to be here,” admitted the USA coach in the post-match presser.

Emma acknowledged that being on the receiving end of many players fulfilling their dreams makes it a ‘fantastic moment’ for her as well. Then again, the former Chelsea boss urged her players to express themselves in a way that they are the only ones who understand the effort it took to reach this position. That explains why she wants Cooper to remain unapologetic about stealing Sentnor’s chance.

“She said to me, ‘I was just so excited to score that I took the ball off Ali Sentnor.’ She apologized to Ali,” Hayes continued. “I said, ‘Don’t ever apologize for scoring. This is business. I appreciate you both want to help each other out, but we want to win. Maybe you were in the best position to do that and you did score. So celebrate that.'”

Notably, the moment came just eight minutes past the hour mark. The American ladies were looking to extend their fragile 1-0 lead. Interestingly, Sentnor received a brilliant pass from Claire Hutton near the box. Although the Utah Royals forward managed to dribble past an Australian defender, she eventually lost her balance and control of the ball.

Fortunately, Cooper was right behind, having moved near the six-yard box. The KC Current star calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. While Sentnor may not have gotten her goal yesterday, Hayes backed her to keep creating goalscoring chances. “I’m sure Ally Sentnor will score many goals in the U.S. Women’s National Team shirt,” concluded Emma.

Sure, this natural support from the gaffer may inspire Sentnor to seize her chance. Meanwhile, for those doubting whether she might be displeased with Cooper for stepping on her toes—that’s not the case at all!

Ally Sentnor didn’t need another goal to impress Emma Hayes and USWNT

To recall, the SheBelieves Cup opener vs Colombia saw Ally net a stunning long-range effort to not just double USA’s lead but also score her first-ever international goal. Though Sentnor had a perfect opportunity to add second in yesterday’s game, she eventually has the validation of Emma Hayes with her stunner. Plus, Michelle Cooper had to open her national team account some way or the other.

In fact, don’t think that Ally didn’t celebrate her teammate’s goal; the Royals forward was the first one to quickly hug the 21-year-old, with others joining the celebration. Additionally, in the aftermath, Cooper cleared up any misconceptions between her and Sentnor. “I looked at Ally and I said I’m so sorry because I basically stole it from her! And she’s like, ‘It’s OK, I’m so happy for you,'” Michelle told TBS Sports.

Be that as it may, it’s good to see that both Ally Sentnor and Michelle Cooper have sorted out any kinds of potential differences. Truly, Emma Hayes is lucky to have such players who keep collective successes over individual ones.