The injury to Trinity Rodman derailed some of USWNT’s plans for the coming matches. The Washington Spirit attacker suffered a ‘back spasm’ injury and will be out for a few weeks. Therefore, Emma Hayes’ job of finding a replacement winger will be critical to getting the right output. Well, we can’t expect Ashley Sanchez to have the same output as Rodman. Or will she?
There have been calls to bring the North Carolina Courage star to the team. Replacing Trinity Rodman is surely not easy. She has scored 8 goals and provided 6 assists to raise the spirits in Washington. They next play friendlies on October 24th and 27th against Iceland and another friendly on October 30th against Argentina. She came to Chicago to watch the teams play, particularly Ashley Sanchez. Even fans want her on the team. With a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars, Sanchez remains instrumental to her club’s success.
Significantly, one role of the national team manager remains traveling to watch USWNT players play in the leagues, as they showcase their performances. Accordingly, the manager selects them on merit. Sanchez’s recent productive seasons provide interesting reasons for her to earn a call-up.
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Despite all the brilliant performances, Sanchez didn’t play a single match in the 2023 World Cup, and neither earned a call-up to the Paris Olympics squad. All in all, she remains an underused player. Winning the NWSL title with Trinity Rodman in 2021 displays her prowess as a player. Named the Young Player of the Year by USWNT in 2020, Sanchez is now 25. It’s her time to shine. And fans support it as well.
Fans want Ashley Sanchez called up to USWNT
On NWSL’s Instagram page, they made a post with Emma Hayes seen attending the match between the Chicago Red Stars and the North Carolina Courage. With suggestions that she arrived to notice Ashley Sanchez, fans want her selected without fail. One user commented, “I hope you were there to watch Ashley Sanchez!” With her not making the USWNT squad for the Olympics, Rodman’s injury provides an opportunity to make her much-awaited return.
What’s your perspective on:
Could Emma Hayes be the game-changer the USWNT needs for their upcoming friendlies?
Have an interesting take?
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“Should call Sanchez up 👀,” mentioned another fan regarding the potential of a call-up by Emma Hayes. With Rodman forming a ‘Triple Espresso’ band with Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith, Sanchez’s arrival could help the three players get a good rest without compromising the team’s quality. Who knows, she might become a regular starter, after all.
Another fan understood Hayes’ assignment, “She looking at our girl @ashley.sanchez 💙.” Sanchez has been in fine form this season. She appeared in 21 matches and scored 5 goals and 4 assists to make her case heard. Support came in thick and fast as one user mentioned, “@ashley.sanchez deserves a buzz📱 from Hayes.”
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“Emma @ashley.sanchez it’s waiting for your call,” mentioned another fan in excitement. It will really be refreshing to see the 25-year-old midfielder get another chance to play. But, the decision ultimately lies on Hayes. Taking the team to an Olympic gold in 2 months after taking charge, Hayes is the right person to lead the ship. She knows what she is doing guys. Trust the process!
Debate
Could Emma Hayes be the game-changer the USWNT needs for their upcoming friendlies?