It seems Emma Hayes has the team moving forward

It appears that future USWNT coach Emma Hayes was very involved with the selection of the squad and even game-time starters. It seems clear that younger players were given the opportunity to make their case, and several long-time stalwarts were absent or had limited minutes. The dismal World Cup and following performances has allowed (demanded?) that she make major updates to the squad.

Although Alex Morgan is still serviceable (and lovely), she has a hard time making her case with Smith, Rodman, Shaw, Macario, and Swanson playing striker. I think Sauerbrunn was exposed in the summer by Haiti's fast front line, and the performance by the US backline may make it harder for her. The midfielders' performance, with Rose Lavelle available, may have shut the door on several former players. Naeher solidified her spot.

The issue is that the US has fallen behind many other countries talent-wise (see link by a London paper). The 2003 WC may have hurt the US player rankings. In the top 100 players, the US had only 7, with none in the elite region.

Smith 18, Horn 21, Girma 36, Rodman 50, Morgan 53, Williams, 63, Thompson 85

Click here for link at https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2024/jan