USWNT Wins Against the Netherlands

The USWNT capped an unbeaten first half-year under Emma Hayes with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands on Tuesday. The team completed an unbeaten first half-year under head coach Emma Hayes, even without their prolific front three of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson.

The USWNT's Performance

On a bitterly cold night in The Hague, at the end of a long, wearying season, with stars resting, they took the field for a friendly full of built-in caveats and excuses—and refused to use them. Instead, they came back from a goal down to beat the Dutch, and solidify themselves back atop women's soccer.

The USWNT's Next Task

Their performance, though, was also a timely reminder that their 2024 Olympic gold medals didn't cure all of their collective ills. They were outshot 23-5. They were outplayed and at times overwhelmed by Dutch passing and positional play. They looked like a team that must improve and innovate to remain at the top—and their coach seems to get this.