Hayes calls up four uncapped players in USWNT squad to face Spain
Emma Hayes has named four uncapped players in the United States women’s squad for October’s two-game series against reigning world champions Spain, ending a run of three consecutive rosters without a first-time call-up.
New faces return as US prepare for Spain
Goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz, defender Evelyn Shores and forwards Pietra Tordin and Trinity Byars are in line for their first senior international appearances. The camp is the USWNT’s first since a break of more than four months.
The Americans will meet Spain at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., on October 10 before travelling to Chester, Pennsylvania, for the second match at Subaru Park.
Spain arrive having already booked their place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Their qualification was sealed through a 4-0 victory against England and a 6-1 win over Iceland. The United States have not yet qualified for the tournament.
- Four players have received maiden senior call-ups: Silkowitz, Shores, Tordin and Byars.
- Lindsey Heaps and Rose Lavelle provide major international experience in midfield.
- The squad is also preparing for the United States’ final World Cup qualifying tournament.
- Hayes wants the group to rebuild understanding following the extended international gap.
Triple Espresso reunited in squad
Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson are together again after not appearing in the same USWNT match since the 2024 Olympics, where the attacking trio earned the “Triple Espresso” label.
Rodman and Wilson have played alongside each other for the national team since then, but Swanson missed the two June fixtures in Brazil. Her most recent United States appearance came in October 2024.
Despite that absence, Swanson remains among the group’s most decorated players, bringing 103 caps and 38 international goals. Wilson has 63 appearances and 25 goals, while Rodman has scored 13 times in 57 matches.
Hayes said the matches with Spain offer a major test, but stressed that reconnecting the squad is central to the camp. She said the team must restore relationships after the long lay-off, assess players absent during this cycle and deliver strong performances in front of full crowds, while maintaining focus on World Cup qualification preparations.
Sanchez earns recall during record-chasing NWSL campaign
Ashley Sanchez is back in the forward group after matching the NWSL single-season scoring mark with 20 goals for the North Carolina Courage. The 2023 World Cup player has 28 USWNT appearances and three goals, but had not featured internationally since October 30, 2024.
The 23-player squad includes players from the NWSL and leading European clubs.
| Position | Players selected |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC, 11 caps); Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC, 0); Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, 7) |
| Defenders | Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC, 70 caps/3 goals); Emily Fox (Arsenal, 78/1); Naomi Girma (Chelsea, 54/2); Avery Patterson (Houston Dash, 14/1); Lilly Reale (Boston Legacy FC, 9/0); Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit, 12/0); Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC, 11/0); Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC, 7/1) |
| Midfielders | Sam Coffey (Manchester City, 46 caps/5 goals); Lindsey Heaps (Denver Summit FC, 178/40); Claire Hutton (Bay FC, 20/1); Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC, 122/29); Evelyn Shores (Angel City FC, 0/0); Mallory Swanson (Chicago Stars, 103/38); Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, 20/1) |
| Forwards | Trinity Byars (San Diego Wave FC, 0 caps/0 goals); Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current, 14/1); Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit, 57/13); Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC, 21/6); Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage, 28/3); Pietra Tordin (Portland Thorns FC, 0/0); Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea, 32/4); Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns FC, 63/25) |
What happens next
The USWNT report for camp before hosting Spain in Washington on October 10. The rematch in Chester will give Hayes another chance to assess the four newcomers, restore the Rodman-Wilson-Swanson combination and sharpen her group ahead of World Cup qualifying.
