Emma Hayes claimed her United States team are doing more than just “trusting the process” after a 4-0 rout of the Republic of Ireland.
Hayes named an experimental line-up for Sunday’s friendly in Cincinnati, where the USA nevertheless ran riot.
Lynn Biyendolo, Izzy Rodriguez, Yazmeen Ryan and Alyssa Thompson were on target as Hayes’ team tallied up 25 shots and 3.02 expected goals to Ireland’s 0.21, with the visitors failing to land a shot on target.
It marked the USA’s 600th victory, with more than half of those (318) wins coming by a margin of at least three goals.
All 11 of the USA’s starters on Sunday play in the NWSL. It is the first time since January 2023 that this has happened.
Since the start of 2025, 36 different players have at least one start for the Stars and Stripes, equalling the most different starters in the first six months of a year in team history (36 in 2000 and 2001).
600 – The #USWNT has won for the 600th time in team history, with more than half of those (318) coming by a margin of at least three goals. Landmark. pic.twitter.com/7yfhozTKo1
— OptaJack (@OptaJack) June 29, 2025
Despite the variety in her selection, Hayes is seeing plenty of consistency.
“I feel like everybody is not just trusting the process, but they are carrying out all the things we asked them to do,” Hayes said.
Playing in her home state of Ohio, Emma Sears teed up the USA’s opener.
“Over the past few months, it’s been really helpful each camp,” Sears said.
“Specifically, I’m working on my movement off the ball and making quicker decisions, and so that’s something that I can focus on in this camp. And I think that translated into the game.”
Sears was involved in the hosts’ second, as her shot rebounded out for Rodriguez to finish.
“It’s really competitive, and I love a good competitive training environment,” said Rodriguez after becoming the 24th player to score on her USWNT debut, and the first to do so as a starter since Christen Press in 2013.
“I think being thrown into that has been super exciting, but also super helpful from all the players, all the staff. They’re really welcoming.”
Next up for Hayes’ squad is a clash with neighbours Canada on Wednesday.
