Emma Hayes has opted to keep U-23 players Jaedyn Shaw and Ally Sentnor with the youth side rather than the senior USWNT squad for the upcoming friendlies against Spain. Despite Shaw and Sentnor combining for over 50 caps and 17 goals for the senior team, Hayes believes regular game time with the U-23s is better for their development than limited minutes on the bench.
Hayes explained her decision, saying, "I want to prioritize the development of players, and I don't want less experienced players always sitting on the bench and playing few minutes. So, for Ali and for Jaedyn, the decision was taken for them to go to the 23s." Both players understand their role in the broader plans despite not being in the senior squad for this window.
The U-23s will play two matches against the Dominican Republic U-23s while training at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, a facility that allows Hayes to keep close tabs on both youth and senior players simultaneously. The consolidation of training at one center in Georgia contrasts with previous camps spread across Washington, D.C., and Chester, Pennsylvania, making player development easier to monitor in real time.
Competition in the senior squad’s attacking positions has intensified with Ashley Sanchez’s recent form—a 20-goal NWSL season matching the league record and forcing her way back into the USWNT for the first time in two years. Hayes acknowledged the challenge this creates for Shaw and Sentnor, saying, "There is a competition for places, and I have spoken to them both. They understand the importance of their development."
Hayes views the move as part of a "prescribed journey" rather than a setback, emphasizing the long-term nature of player progression. "You can't always park the development of the generation that will be there for tomorrow," she said. "So if I solely prioritize the World Cup, then I won't get the opportunity for players that could and will be impactful for this team in 2028 or 2031."
This approach includes using over-age players in the U-23 setup to maintain tactical consistency. Jordyn Huitema, recently training with the senior team, is expected to return to the U-23s for more game time. Hayes noted, "We've left Jordyn with the under-23s because I'd rather she accumulate caps. But we felt that this was the right moment to bring her into the training environment if we think she's got the potential to compete, let's have a look at her now."
The U-23 roster includes goalkeepers Angelina Anderson and Teagan Wy; defenders like Jordyn Bugg, Carolyn Calzada, Kate Del Fava, Heather Gilchrist, Savy King, Leah Klenke, Ayo Oke, and Jayden Perry; and midfielders including Kimmi Ascanio. Savy King’s presence is notable as she returns after a collapse on the field, showing Hayes’s readiness to integrate players as needed.
Hayes’s strategy reflects a tight integration between the senior squad and youth teams, cultivating depth amid injuries and high competition. With players like Naomi Girma, Catarina Macario, Emily Sonnett, Olivia Moultrie, and Croix Bethune sidelined, the U-23s remain an essential pool for future call-ups.
As the USWNT prepares for two friendlies against Spain, Hayes’s decisions underline the balancing act between immediate results and building for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Keeping Shaw and Sentnor active with the U-23s while closely monitoring their progress demonstrates Hayes’s focus on sustained development.
According to CBS.
