“Well, if this is where Rose comes from, then I like this place,” Emma Hayes had earlier remarked when asked about her expectations for the environment in Cincinnati ahead of the second doubleheader clash against the Republic of Ireland. Given that it was her first time at Ohio’s TQL Stadium, the English tactician seemed hopeful about the venue, especially knowing it was the hometown of one of her favorite USWNT player, Rose Lavelle. Well, guess what? Things went beyond her expectations, thanks to the incredible crowd!

Hold on! As much as the 24,016 Buckeyes went on to provide incredible support for the American ladies at TQL, almost everyone shared a common motive: to watch Lavelle play at her home. Even the pre-match presser saw Hayes admit how “excited” the midfielder was to kick a ball in front of her home crowd. But it didn’t pan out as many thought it would. The first 45 minutes… 60 minutes… heck, even the 80th minute, there was no sign of the former Manchester City star on the field.

That only saw the Ohioans take matters into their own hands, joining forces together to shout only one note in the entire stadium: “We want Lavelle.” Drums, claps, shouting, and whatnot? A perfect symphony by the fans, made desperate calls to see their city’s soccer star, as witnessed in a video shared by the USWNT on X. The 30-year-old couldn’t have been more proud to see the amount of love and support she received from her home crowd, constantly waving her hand to thank them.

As if Rose Lavelle wasn’t blushing with humility enough, fellow USWNT teammates on the bench also sparked a round of affectionate ribbing. That only saw her quickly stand up and make a fake run-up to the sideline as if Emma Hayes had signaled her to, but quickly came back to the bench. Eventually, the English boss, laughing, shouted at Rose to actually get going to warm up—as if Hayes had any choice at this point, right?

The result? “You want Skyline Messi, you get Skyline Messi🌹,” read the caption of the shared video, summing it up as Lavelle finally got herself ready to make way onto the pitch. While doing so, Hayes cheekily taunted, “Getting flowers from your peeps, eh?” before eventually congratulating the NWSL veteran. Finally, 87th minute, Rose replaced Samantha Meza, sending the entire crowd into raptures.

Five minutes are nothing in 90 plus additional minutes of the game, yet the Ohioans were loving every second of the former Seattle Reign star on the field. Be that as it may, it was quite a heartwarming scene as Lavelle beautifully received flowers from her own people. In fact, the home crowd even proved Lavelle right, who before the game, was full of confidence about the atmosphere. “I’m excited to show everybody else what a great place it is, what a great atmosphere the stadium is,” she had remarked to US Soccer.

Yet, the only question is why exactly Emma Hayes didn’t meet everyone’s expectations of giving Lavelle her deserved minutes, that too, in front of her own people!

Emma Hayes explains the brief Cincinnati action of Rose Lavelle

To recall, it was after 186 days Lavelle returned from her ankle injury that she sustained in December during the USWNT vs Netherlands friendly. It was during the 73rd minute she made her appearance for Gotham FC on NWSL Matchday 11. That was the only indication to see Emma Hayes call up the star midfielder. However, deep down, the coach knew she wouldn’t be able to use her in full capacity.

“We respect that she’s been out a long period of time so we can’t expect she’s going to play a game every four days,” remarked Hayes in the aftermath of another 4-0 victory, similar to the previous clash at Colorado’s DSG Park on Friday, June 27, where it also explains why Rose played not more than 60 minutes.

Hayes clarified that she did plan to involve Lavelle in the first and third games, fully expecting — and even welcoming — pressure from the crowd. However, the former Chelsea boss had to consider the player’s welfare, insisting she required permission from the medical team to hand over the midfielder her minutes. Hayes also defended her roster selection for the games against Ireland and the upcoming one against Canada on July 3.

Eventually, that happened as Hayes was able to help Lavelle make an appearance onto the field in front of the crowd. “I was desperate for her to get a goal and yes, she deserves her flowers because she’s unique in the world game. There’s not many players like Rose Lavelle and I genuinely think there is another level for her to go with our team,” concluded Hayes.

A night to remember for Rose Lavelle, don’t you think?