Emma Hayes’s young stars are shining brightly. The United States National Women’s Team has already set a grand record in the first two matches of the SheBelieves Cup 2025. The USWNT eliminated both Colombia and Australia, and their youthful players provided the excitement. This team continues to improve and we fear for the teams in the next World Cup. Michelle Cooper, and Ally Sentnor to name a few.

So far, the SheBelieves Cup 2025 has featured some young players, especially for the USWNT. While the USA won their first match against Colombia (2-0), Ally Sentnor contributed to one goal alongside Catarina Macario. This time, however, against Australia, Michelle Cooper did it among the young rosters. She scored one in the 68th minute when the score sat at 1-1. The young guns continue to impress.

“It was absolutely surreal. I looked at Allie and I said, I’m so sorry because I basically stole it from her and she’s like, it’s okay, I’m so happy for you. So it felt great,” she said, expressing her joy at making the first-ever international goal.

While Cooper received the honor of her first international cap in a previous match, she was grateful for adding another milestone to her professional journey. Her only response was immense gratitude and credit to the head coach, Emma Hayes. The coach’s transformation in making the Star and Stripes the best team in women’s soccer showcases the influence she holds. Plus, her soccer tactical acumen. It’s quite astonishing, to say the least.

In her interview with the USWNT media, she said, “Emma and the staff have made it super easy and playing with these girls, they’re so talented top to bottom and to be able to make the jump from the Futures to here, it’s an absolute blessing and I’m so happy that Emma gave me the chance.” 

Michelle Cooper’s words reflected the strategy Hayes applied for her team this season. Before the match, Hayes swapped out 11 players who played against Colombia to set up a new line for the one with the Matildas. At the 62nd minute, she made four more changes by sending Cooper to the field, followed by Tara McKeown, Yazmeen Ryan, and Ally Sentnor. Maybe she wants to rotate her squad. To our surprise, we knew what lay ahead—Cooper’s goal right after being 6 minutes on the field.

She showed off her skills, which ultimately created the shot. While speaking of Emma and her team, she said, “Knowing that they have so much experience and shedding light on the experiences that we’re going to go through and having them help lead us through that is super easy and it makes it a lot more fun.”

The head coach gave the perfect chance for the U23 players to expose their skills and talent on a global platform. Her strategy, as always, had been a significant way of creating a shift that allowed these rosters to implement the best of their practices with the senior players. And so far, it turned out pretty well.

The rosters played well, and, as for, Michelle Cooper, she served exactly what the coach demanded—showcasing the talent!

Michelle Cooper perfected Hayes’s plan! 

It has been a surreal start for Cooper. From getting her first international cap to scoring her first goal, she perfectly adapted to Hayes’s masterstroke strategies. But what are these strategies exactly?

“Of course, everybody wants to compete, everybody wants to perform to the best of their levels, but we sat with about five or six of the more experienced players to get them to understand where we are in our journey, and the role that they play in this tournament,” said the head coach. But was it only for the players, or was she looking at something bigger for the entire team?

Hayes meticulously planned it properly: strategy, coaching, planning, and preparing her team. Initially, she had worried about the absence of USWNT’s famous trio—Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Malcolm Swanson, but she had her replacements ready.

Firstly, during the USWNT vs. Colombia match, she made Emily Sonnett the new captain, who just returned from her injury break. This shocked most as they thought of Lindsey Heaps to lead the team. Then, she brought in a bunch of fresh picks who made their first international debuts in these matches.

While everyone thought it could be risky at this point, making fresh changes, Hayes said, “One, to be ready for themselves; two, to how to help the team so that we can close the gaps in this part of our journey, and we sat through and discussed all the challenges that will come up in camp and some of the strategies that we’re each to hold ourselves accountable to.”

Emphasizing the importance of adaptability and leadership in navigating this transformative phase for the USWNT. Even after facing tough opponents like Colombia and Australia, Hayes’s new squad proved true. With players like Michelle Cooper stepping up, Hayes’s bold strategy just seems unstoppable before every new match.

But will it hold strong for all these young players against Japan’s fierce defense?