Jamaica match might not be a direct sequel to win over China, but expect USWNT to provide more of the same

This set of friendlies isn't the toughest set on the U.S. women's national team schedule. After a pair of Olympic gold medal game rematches against Brazil last window, the USWNT is facing a pair of opponents that aren't quite at that level. They made short work of China, 3-0, in the first game of this set.

Up next is Jamaica. Good luck.

Emma Hayes had this USWNT group humming in the most recent win. Even without several vital pieces, the attack looked near unstoppable, showcasing the pace and skill necessary to threaten any team in the world. The expectation will be more of the same on Tuesday, when Jamaica becomes the next team tasked with defending a USWNT group that seemingly can score goals for fun.

Some changes are expected. Hayes will no doubt rotate, giving multiple new players opportunities. The result may end up similar to the game on Saturday, but there will certainly be some new storylines woven into this sequel.

GOAL looks at five keys for the USWNT against Jamaica.

AFPShuffling the lineup

Since last summer's Olympics, Hayes has been consistent about rotating her lineups, giving players from all over the pool chances to prove themselves. Every camp there have been multiple newcomers seeking chances. Expect more of the same Tuesday.

A total of 17 players played in the win over China – including Lo'eau LaBonta, who became the oldest debutant in USWNT history – meaning six are still in search of their first minutes this camp. Two, of course, are goalkeepers, but Claire Hutton, Emily Fox, Tara McKeown and Kerry Abello will all expect to get time against Jamaica. Fox's inclusion seems likely, as she wouldn't have travelled back from England following Arsenal's Champions League celebrations if the USWNT had no intention of playing her.

In addition, look for several of the substitutes to jump into the XI.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesContinued rise of Alyssa Thompson

It remains to be seen if Thompson is included in the XI for this second game, particularly with Ally Sentnor, Emma Sears and Lynn Biyendolo on the bench. It's still worth discussing her continued rise, though, as the Angel City star continues to blossom into a star-level attacker.

The USWNT is watching Thompson grow up. That process began with her rapid rise, one that earned her a World Cup inclusion in 2023. Though she might not have been fully ready for that spotlight, she sure as hell is now. Thompson has stepped up for club and country, prompting Hayes to label her as one of the best in the NWSL at just 20 years old.

Without Triple Espresso – Sophia Wilson, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman – in this camp, she's crucially stepped into a role as one of the best attackers in the USWNT player pool.

Thompson proved that against China. While she didn't get on the scoresheet, her pace and ability on the ball made China uncomfortable throughout her time on the field. Alongside Catarina Macario and Michelle Cooper, who were both also spectacular in the win, Thompson made sure the opposition defense never had a moment to breathe.

"We were just talking in our huddle about how we want to be ruthless," Cooper said after the China game. "I mean, 3-0 is a good win, we put in a good performance, but we can always be better. And our next step is that we’re ruthless, that we do exactly what we need to do and keep executing for 90 minutes."

It's scary to think, then, that Thompson still has what feels like limitless room to grow. She still has plenty to learn, and, Tuesday could represent another chance. Bet on Thompson to show once again why she's ready to fight Triple Espresso for one of those starting attacker spots.

Getty Images SportA chance for midfield youngsters

With the U23s playing overseas this week, Hayes opted to send some recognizable faces along with that group to get them more playing time and experience. Jaedyn Shaw, Korbin Albert and Mia Fishel all have a legitimate USWNT case, but it was determined that all three would benefit from playing real minutes with the U23s rather than playing a smaller role with the senior team.

It doesn't take a genius to connect the dots, then, with the other U23s in USWNT camp: they're here because Hayes has some a plan for them.

Both Olivia Moultrie and Claire Hutton were named to the USWNT group despite being on the fringes of the midfield picture. That almost certainly means they'll get some minutes in this game. If not, they'd be in Germany with the U23s.

Moultrie played 13 minutes on Saturday, nearly scoring with one of her first touches. Hutton, meanwhile, didn't get off the bench, making an appearance against Jamaica a virtual certainty.

The midfield is crowded, headlined by entrenched veterans Lindsey Heaps and Sam Coffey. Lily Yohnnes isn't going anywhere either, as the teenager would likely start for this team if meaningful games popped up on the schedule tomorrow. Rose Lavelle will be back at some point, while Albert, Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt are also all jockeying for midfield spots.

All eyes will be on Moultrie and Hutton, then, as both look to take a leap up the depth chart.

Getty Images SportChanges in goal?

We're nowhere near Hayes deciding a winner in this goalkeeper race. This is a process, one that will go on leading up to the 2027 World Cup. Hayes said recently, though, that Phallon Tullis-Joyce is likely leading this group. After the Manchester United shot-stopper's start on Saturday, will someone else get a look on Tuesday?

Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey are the other two goalkeepers in the squad and, like Tullis-Joyce, have little USWNT experience. The 26-year-old McGlynn has three caps to her name. The 25-year-old Dickey? None so far. There's a real lack of experience in goal for the USWNT at the moment, something of which Hayes is acutely aware.

"If you look at the top of the pool at the most senior players, Phallon being one of them, I think, for me, she's leading in that area at this moment of time in her age category," Hayes said after naming this roster. "I also realize that from Dickey to Angelina Anderson, in particular, to Mandy McGlynn, these are players that we have to keep building their experience, as well. What I don't want to do is develop a goalkeeper for '27 and then we're in exactly the same position again. I want to ensure that from '27 to '28 to '31 that we get the development pathways right for goalkeepers so that it's a lot more seamless than it is for me."

The only way to continue that development pathway, though, is to give players an opportunity. Is Tuesday one for McGlynn, Dickey or Tullis-Joyce?