After the USWNT lost two of their previous three matches in 2025, the timing was right for such a dominant display
There are few days in which a coach can leave a stadium with nothing to complain about, even when you manage a squad as consistently successful as the U.S. women's national team. And while no doubt Emma Hayes will find something to nitpick – after all, that's what coaches get paid to do – this was as good a team performance as you can get.
Behind goals from Catarina Macario, Sam Coffey and Lindsey Heaps, the USWNT galloped past China, 3-0, at Allianz Stadium on Saturday. The goalscorers weren't the only ones in the spotlight – virtually everyone took center stage at some point.
Some contributed with big goals, while there were multiple moments leading to those scores that showed what this USWNT attack can do in full flow. That focus fell on newcomers and veterans alike. It even landed on the most veteran debutant in USWNT history.
That made Saturday just about perfect for Hayes and her USWNT group. After losing two of their previous three matches in 2025, the timing was right for such a dominant display. And Hayes will hope for a repeat performance when the USWNT take on Jamaica on Tuesday.
GOAL takes a look at the winners and losers from the USWNT victory.
Getty ImagesWINNER: Alyssa Thompson
Alyssa Thompson is arguably the most dangerous attacker on the USWNT at the moment, especially with Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson not in this camp. Her speed is challenging for any team to manage, and China was no different.
Thompson was having a field day, running in behind China's defense and combining for one-twos on the sideline. Thompson did all of the work in the first goal, making the near post run in the box, challenging the China goalkeeper, who came out to challenge the cross – and then was able to get a toe poke into Macario crashing the far post.
Thompson also played the service that found Macario, and helped the USWNT double the lead. Her work rate is unmatched and game by game, she's establishing her starting spot on the USWNT's attacking front line.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: China high line
There isn't an approach that will fully contain the USWNT attack. There's just too much talent and too many ways for that talent to make you pay when they get on the ball.
But China's high line? That definitely wasn't the answer. In fact, it was the main cause of their undoing. Kudos to them for trying something. They came out with a plan and committed to it, determined to press the USWNT high up the field.
It was noble and brave. And it was also woefully ineffective.
From the opening whistle, the USNWT ran into the infinite space. The U.S. attack, even without Wilson, Rodman and Swanson, can still run at an elite level – a lesson China surely learned on Saturday. Even with Triple Espresso sidelined, this U.S. group can move faster than virtually any other team in the world, and they're impossible to contain when you allow them to run into space.
Take notes, future opponents. When other teams look for solutions to slowing this U.S. attack, just know that playing an ultra high line isn't one of them.
Getty ImagesWINNER: Michelle Cooper
Michelle Cooper only recently earned her first USWNT call-up, and is playing like she's been part of the starting IX for years. Not only did she start against China, but she made an immediate impact, punishing the high-line press.
Cooper was involved in two of the goals for the USWNT. What she brought was her ability to exploit China on the wing, not overcomplicate her role and serve dimes into the box. Her best service was in the second half when she played a nearly perfect ball right into the head and path of Lindsey Heaps. A perfect service.
Cooper also played a massive role in the first goal of the game, which came off a corner kick. It was once again her service that created chaos in the box, and resulted in a Macario tap-in.
"We were just talking in our huddle about how we want to be ruthless," Cooper, who only recently returned from injury, said after the game. "I mean, 3-0 is a good win, we put in a good performance, but we can always be better. And our next step is that we’re ruthless, that we do exactly what we need to do and keep executing for 90 minutes."
At the moment, Cooper's sweet spot on the team is her service into the box. She offers speed out wide, much like Thompson, but her strength and defensive recovery is the key asset.
"It's always so tough coming into this environment, but the players around me have done a great job of welcoming me," she said. "And now being on my third camp, it feels really good and a lot more comfortable. But we're continuing to grow and continue to get better, and that's all I can ask for."
Getty ImagesLOSER: China coach Anthony Milicic
A coach's first job is to get tactics right. From there, it's all about adjusting. No coach gets it entirely correct from the start every single time, and the best know when and where to admit their mistakes.
Anthony Milicic never made that admission. Or, at least, he didn't make it before it was too late. Despite all of the evidence underscoring that his team's press wasn't working, Milicic stuck with it – and allowed the U.S. continue to punish his side.
On one hand, yes, this was a friendly, making it the perfect chance to learn this sort of lesson. Milicic can now point to what went wrong and why. It will rarely be this challenging against other opponents, so this loss can serve as a building block for the long cycle.
On the other hand, how was the first-half approach beneficial to China at all? Is there anything to really learn from panic defending a rampant USWNT group? There will be few players feeling positive after that drubbing.
Milicic held on too long, and his team was punished for it time and time again.
