Emma Hayes Oversaw Dominant Display by US Women in Friendly Against England
LONDON (AP) – Emma Hayes oversaw a dominant display from her United States team at a packed Wembley Stadium on Saturday, but ultimately did not taste victory on her return to England.
The US team, without its injured attacking trio of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson, still managed to overwhelm England with their quality, pinning the hosts in their half and turning over possession in midfield. The Americans dominated possession and earned a lot of space to develop their game and press high.
Despite their dominance, the US team lacked an edge in the final third and could not break the deadlock. Sam Coffey’s shot from the edge of the box in the 44th minute was easily stopped by England goalkeeper Mary Earps, and U.S. captain Lindsey Horan missed the target with an angled shot at the start of the second half.
The U.S. also received a penalty but it was reversed after VAR showed the ball hit Alex Greenwood’s chest and not her arm. Hayes was left satisfied with her team’s performance, winning seven Women’s Super Leagues in a 12-year reign at Chelsea, while also earning Olympic gold medal with the US team this summer.