Admit it—we all had mixed reactions when the USWNT‘s 2025 SheBelieves Cup roster was unveiled. Many weren’t pleased with Emma Hayes‘ decision to include a mix of regular Joes and debutants. Not to mention, the absence of expected names—particularly The Triple Espresso or Naomi Girma—left many disappointed, albeit for precautionary reasons. However, Alexi Lalas is rather ‘happy‘ that Hayes opted for different names to further expand the roster selection process.

And it’s not like things haven’t worked out for the American ladies so far. They have secured comfortable victories against Colombia and Australia in the opening two games, with the last game against Japan yet to be played. But one has to realize all this is part of their preparation for a bigger goal. And Lalas is happy that Hayes is keeping such an open approach when it comes to choosing the best for the USA.

“I think something that she has done is not rest on laurels,” began Lalas while speaking on his State of the Union podcast. The soccer analyst believes that winning is exactly why she was hired. He emphasized that if the USWNT wants to return to the top, depth will be essential. Since calling up a unique roster will prove crucial to their Olympics and World Cup preparation, Lalas praised Hayes for understanding the need for squad depth.

Whether this realization comes due to injuries, competition, or the demands of a tournament requiring rotation, the end goal is to understand the need to give everyone a chance. “She knows that she is going to have to see as many players as possible. And until you actually throw them into the fire—and this is the next fire, if you will, when it comes to the SheBelieves Cup—you’re not going to know,” added Lalas.

Expressing his happiness with the unique roster selection, Lalas added, “I’m happy that we’re seeing different names. I’m happy that we’re seeing names that we may not even have seen yet because that’s what a good coach does. And Emma Hayes is—if anything—a good coach.”

Can’t argue with that, can we? One can argue that if it hadn’t been for injury issues, we would have seen the likes of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, or Mallory Swanson donning the attacking front. Then again, it has not completely been a blessing in disguise per se!

Despite SheBelieves Cup success, Emma Hayes outlines challenges in Triple Espresso’s absence

Emma Hayes is indeed doing more on her part for the US Women’s National Team. Yet, the 48-year-old has managed to identify a unique challenge that the team is facing, especially in the absence of Triple Espresso. The admission came in the aftermath of the initial game against Colombia. She expressed her concern about players creating better chemistry.

Emma Hayes took the example of Ali Sentnor and Catarina Macario. She noted that the two forwards haven’t had much time together. Hence, one can’t expect them to deliver what the trio of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson do. And even if Ali and Cat do build a strong on-field connection and understand each other’s tendencies, they would require time.

“The chemistry piece is the one that comes with time. That’s why I would think it’s fair to say, the Triple Espresso, for example, their chemistry was so strong,” Hayes admitted. Sure, it would be hard to argue that the likes of Yazmeen Ryan, Ally Sentnor, and Catarina Macario did more than what one expected from them. Yet, Hayes isn’t ruling out the harsh reality. “It’s going to take us a little bit of time,” she concluded.

Even though challenges exist, the good thing is that Hayes is aware of them. But does this also mean that these issues arose due to her selection of a different roster? That’s certainly food for thought!