Leaning on leadership from Heaps, Hayes tests young squad in chippy SheBelieves Cup opener – Equalizer Soccer

Photo copyright Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.

While there were plenty of young faces in head coach Emma Hayes’ opening 2026 SheBelieves Cup lineup, one veteran presence grounded the U.S. women’s national team in its 2–0 victory over Argentina: captain Lindsey Heaps. 

Scoring the opening goal and assisting on the only other, Heaps anchored the Americans in more than just the midfield. Though the team’s play was not always as crisp or consistent as Hayes may have wanted, Heaps was steady, patient and present at all the right times on Sunday night in Nashville, Tennessee. 

And, importantly, she was ready when Emma Sears made a judgment call and cut the ball back to the veteran captain at the 19-minute mark. Heaps, who was waiting at the top of the box, sent a perfectly-placed rocket into the back of the net in response. It marked her 39th international goal and came in her first start since December 2025.