Rising Stars Claire Hutton and Alyssa Thompson Shine in USWNT Audition

During the June and July FIFA international window, the U.S. women's national team dominated their competition with an impressive combined score of 11–0 across all matches.

Throughout three clean sheet victories, the Americans secured two 4–0 wins against the Republic of Ireland and followed up with a 3–0 triumph over Canada. When combined with their previous shutout victories against China and Jamaica in the last FIFA window, the USWNT has now achieved five consecutive wins without conceding a goal.

While the matches against Ireland were anticipated to be one-sided affairs, the commanding performance against regional competitors Canada, currently ranked eighth globally, has heightened expectations that this USWNT squad is prepared for greater challenges ahead.

Head coach Emma Hayes has focused on expanding the talent pool as part of her strategy to develop the USWNT throughout 2025, providing opportunities for emerging players who could be ready to contribute by the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. To achieve this objective, Hayes made the decision to keep all Europe-based USWNT players at their clubs during this camp.

Let's examine which players strengthened their positions and what uncertainties persist following these recent friendlies against Ireland and Canada.

Who strengthened their position?

Claire Hutton

No rising talent impressed more than Claire Hutton. The midfield powerhouse displayed maturity and tenacity in both defensive and offensive phases. Most notably, she netted her maiden international goal with a powerful header against Canada.

The 19-year-old featured in all three contests, earning two starting positions and one substitute appearance. Hutton topped the team statistics for tackles and duels won in the Canada match. Playing alongside veteran Sam Coffey, the USWNT achieved excellent midfield rhythm—something that has been missing for too long.

Hayes informed reporters that she considered Hutton's window performances to be "exceptional." Although it remains uncertain whether Hutton is being groomed as Coffey's backup or as a regular starter, her squad position appears secure at present.

Avery Patterson

Another impressive performer is 23-year-old Avery Patterson, who has progressed from zero international appearances in April to six caps and one goal by July. The Houston Dash defender demonstrates remarkable versatility but seems established in the right-back role under Hayes.

Patterson earned starting positions in two matches during this period, scoring her debut USWNT goal against Ireland before providing an assist against Canada.

Patterson's distinctive quality lies in her exceptional ability to cover ground and position herself as an overlapping attacking option from defensive areas. Her commitment to making bold forward runs makes her essential for providing the USWNT with numerical advantages in attacking zones.

Alyssa Thompson

With each international camp, Alyssa Thompson's impact and reliability within the USWNT continue to expand. She has evolved from fighting for squad inclusion after the Olympics to becoming one of the first players selected for the starting lineup.

The question remains: Will the 20-year-old maintain her starting role when Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson return, possibly during mid-2026?

Thompson is building a strong argument to retain her position as the USWNT's primary right winger. She found the net twice in two appearances against Ireland and generated two scoring opportunities against Canada, though she sent one clear chance wide of the target—demonstrating her constant threat while continuing to develop.

Yazmeen Ryan

The forward position remains highly competitive, but Yazmeen Ryan has reestablished herself as a viable attacking option in Hayes's tactical setup.

The 26-year-old Houston Dash striker scored her first USWNT goals across the three friendlies, achieving this despite limited playing time. Although she appeared in three matches, Ryan earned only one start and accumulated just 93 minutes during this window.

Ryan possesses high football intelligence, capable of operating between defensive lines and cutting inward when deployed wide, rather than staying glued to the sideline. Her goal against Canada showcased excellent technical finishing, while her strike against Ireland demonstrated perfect timing to exploit space in the penalty area.

With proficiency on both feet, quality crossing and passing abilities, and readiness to make an impact as a substitute, Ryan has positioned herself well to remain in squad consideration moving forward.

What uncertainties persist?

Emily Sams

Another international window has passed with Emily Sams appearing to remain on the periphery of defensive selections. Unlike the previous matches against China and Jamaica, Sams did receive a starting opportunity in this window and completed the full 90 minutes in the second Ireland encounter.

Sams also delivered a solid performance against Ireland. The Orlando Pride defender covered significant distance, registered 100 ball touches, won three of eight duels and achieved 95% pass completion.

The issue is that Sams appears more like a dependable and consistent defensive choice rather than an adventurous wide defender capable of surging forward, like Patterson. Her versatility to operate as a center-back does provide additional value.

Croix Bethune

Injuries have impacted Croix Bethune, who was participating in her first USWNT matches since last August's Olympics. It's reasonable that, as she regains full fitness, this window didn't showcase Bethune at her peak performance or maximum utilization.

The Washington Spirit midfielder made only one appearance during the window, playing 63 minutes in the second Ireland friendly. She sent several shots off target and didn't quite create opportunities for her teammates. There were promising moments when she linked up with debutant Sam Meza and Olivia Moultrie in midfield. Bethune will always possess unique creative abilities; the focus now is rebuilding her form.

Ally Sentnor

The previous year witnessed Ally Sentnor burst onto the international scene and establish herself as a significant weapon in Hayes's attacking arsenal. Naturally, there will be periods when a player as young as Sentnor experiences a reality check. At 21, she remains a developing talent rather than a complete player, despite scoring four goals in her first 11 USWNT appearances.

During these friendlies, Sentnor found it difficult to impose herself on the matches. After starting the first Ireland friendly, she entered as a substitute for the final 25 minutes in the second and third games.

Hayes has been experimenting with Sentnor in a false nine role due to Catarina Macario's absence, and based on this evidence, that position may not suit her best attributes.

Nevertheless, Sentnor did provide an excellent assist for Rose Lavelle's goal in the opening match against Ireland. Her awareness to identify the space and deliver the ball across completed the finest team goal of the entire window.