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USA Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
USWNT vs. Jamaica player ratings: Sentnor, Biyendolo bag doubles in easy win
USWNT vs. Jamaica player ratings: Sentnor, Biyendolo bag doubles in easy win Show Caption Hide Caption 'Heartbeat' and 'Brilliant' kits unveiled for USWNT, USMNT U.S. Soccer on May 13 unveiled the 2025 Nike U.S. National Team Kit Collection, introducing new kits for the men's and women's teams . U.S. Soccer The U.S. women's national team made easy work of Jamaica on Tuesday night, defeating the Reggae Girlz 4-0 in a friendly in St. Louis. Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo both scored a brace at Energizer Park, as the U.S. closed out a two-match window with a pair of victories after defeating China over the weekend. Emma Hayes will be satisfied with a dominant display that saw her team out-possess Jamaica by an 82-18 percent margin and outshoot the Reggae Girlz 23-2. Here are our ratings for the USWNT's comfortable win over Jamaica. As a reminder, here's the Pro Soccer Wire player rating scale: 1: Abysmal. Literally any member of our staff would have been been able to play at this level. 6: Adequate. This is our base score. 10: Transcendent, era-defining performance. This is Carli Lloyd vs. Japan in the 2015 World Cup final. GK: Phallon Tullis-Joyce - 6 The most significant moment of the night for Tullis-Joyce was when the lineups were announced, as the goalkeeper made her second straight start. It was a major sign she may be taking the lead in the race to replace Alyssa Naeher. As for the actual game? Tullis-Joyce had no saves to make and her 26-for-26 passing night was more about Jamaica's lack of pressure than anything else. LB: Kerry Abello - 6 Abello got high on the left flank with regularity in her USWNT debut, putting pressure on Jamaica's back line. The Orlando Pride defender nearly capped off her night with a debut goal, but dragged a late chance just wide of the far post after winning back possession. CB: Tara McKeown - 6.5 McKeown continues to earn Hayes' trust as the Spirit center back turned in an assured performance while under little pressure. But McKeown made the defensive plays when she was called on and completed a ridiculous 101 passes out of 108 on the night. CB: Naomi Girma - 6.5 The USWNT always looks more in control with Girma as the team's quarterback in possession. With Jamaica dropping off, the Chelsea defender had a comfortable 99-for-102 passing night and also chipped in a team-high seven clearances. RB: Emily Fox - 7.5 Fox started the game dropping back into possession with Abello getting high on the left flank, but Hayes quickly changed her tactics and the Arsenal right back proceeded to fly up and down the right flank with abandon. Fox's layoff for Sentnor on the USWNT's opener was superb, and the defender led her team with three key passes in the game. CM: Sam Coffey - 7 Coffey was the tempo-setter for the USWNT in midfield, and the Portland Thorns star did her job well as she looked to keep things moving quickly. The midfielder had a key slipped pass for Thompson that led to the second goal, won eight of her nine duels and had a team-high four tackles. CM: Claire Hutton - 6 Hutton delivered an up-and-down performance while playing a No. 8 role. The Kansas City Current teenager was sloppy at times in possession, losing the ball a team-high 15 times, while also displaying her array of skills and turning ability. She also showed her aerial prowess as her header off a corner kick led to a rebound Biyendolo scored for the USWNT's third. CM: Lily Yohannes - 7 Yohannes played a higher position than she normally has with the USWNT, as Hutton and Coffey lined up behind her. The 17-year-old responded with another excellent display as she had a hand on the first two goals. She played a magnificent lofted pass for Fox to set up Sentnor's opening goal, then her long ball for Alyssa Thompson helped start the sequence that led to the second. LW: Alyssa Thompson - 7 Thompson was always positive when she got the ball on the left flank, driving at Jamaica defenders and forcing them to deal with her speed. Her end product wasn't always there, but she played a big role on the USWNT's second as her blocked shot deflected right in the path of Sentnor. CF: Catarina Macario - 6 Macario took a back seat to others in the attack during her 57 minutes on the pitch, though she nearly scored right before she departed the match with a shot from distance that was tipped over. RW: Ally Sentnor - 8 Sentnor got her brace with a pair of goals on first-time shots, with her first a particularly well-taken effort on the bounce. The second was a rare goal from relatively close range as Sentnor showed a poacher's instinct inside the box. Sub: Lindsey Heaps - 6.5 Heaps made an impact after coming on in the 58th minute, completing three of four long balls including a pass over the top for Avery Patterson, who found Biyendolo for her second goal of the night. Sub: Lynn Biyendolo - 8 Biyendolo showed her striker's instincts when she put home a rebound off a corner kick just a minute after coming on as a substitute. The Seattle Reign forward capped off the night in style when she tapped home Patterson's cross from close range to make it two USWNT players with a brace on the night. Sub: Lo'eau Labonta - 6.5 Labonta once again showed her ability in her second U.S. appearance after a history-making first cap, spraying some nice passes forward to get her teammates involved. She also won all three of her duels in a bright cameo. Sub: Michelle Cooper - 5.5 Cooper should have scored a late fourth but completely mis-kicked her chance from close after a great low ball from Fox. Sub: Olivia Moultrie - 6 Moultrie looked to push the tempo on the left flank after coming on in the 67th minute, delivering several crosses that didn't quite find their intended target. Sub: Avery Patterson - 7 Patterson came on with 10 minutes to play and quickly got involved on the right flank, playing an outstanding low cross that Biyendolo couldn't help but slam home from close range. Patterson nearly scored one herself in stoppage time in a highly impactful cameo.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Carli Lloyd talks about cost of winning in Hall of Fame speech
On Saturday, former U.S. Women's National Team star Carli Lloyd was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame alongside former USMNT players Chris Armas and Nick Rimando, former USWNT goalkeeper Mary Harvey and former MLS deputy commissioner Mark Abbott. Lloyd is considered one of the all-time best American soccer players, and has two Olympic gold medals and two World Cup titles, among other accolades, according to the National Soccer Hall of Fame's website. But during Saturday's ceremony, Lloyd didn't talk about the awards she received or the goals she scored. Advertisement Instead, she apologized for what her relentless pursuit of winning cost her and her teammates. The cost of winning 'What I wanted to share wasn't from a perspective of a competitor, but as a person, a human being and what I kept going back to again and again was one simple question: Was it all worth it?' Lloyd said on Saturday, according to Pro Soccer Wire. The now-42-year-old has been wondering if she should have made as many sacrifices as she did during her career. 'I wasn't there to make friends or follow the crowd. I was there to push myself to the very top while helping my team win championships. That drive often meant keeping people at a distance,' Lloyd said, according to The Athletic. Advertisement She continued: 'I operated like an emotionless machine. I was intense and I truly believed that the only way for me to survive in such a cutthroat environment was to be that way. So to my teammates, I want to say this: I'm sorry I wasn't able to give you all of me.' And Lloyd's apologies didn't stop there. In her speech, she also expressed her sincere apologies to her siblings and parents, saying that she was sorry for the years they lost together. She said she knows she can't get those years back, but added that what they have done since has been 'the most meaningful gift' to her, The Inquirer reported. Before her first Olympics in 2008, Lloyd experienced 'a painful separation' from her parents, Steve and Pam, due to the actions of a trainer. The separation left wounds that weren't mended until 2020, during the pandemic, the article said. Despite the sacrifices she made and the challenges she faced, Lloyd said on Saturday that she has no regrets about her decorated career. Advertisement 'As lonely and difficult as the journey was at times, I would do it all over again,' she said, according to Pro Soccer Wire. 'There was nothing I loved more than winning, but winning comes at a cost and I paid that price. Yet in return I gained more than I ever could have imagined.' But she noted that she does have one wish. 'I wouldn't say I have regrets, but if there is one thing I do wish, I wish I had let more people understand me over the years,' Lloyd said, per The Athletic. A future off the pitch Among the audience members on Saturday was Lloyd's six-month-old daughter, Harper, whom Lloyd described as her 'greatest accomplishment' after struggling with unexplained infertility, according to The Athletic. 'I always knew I wanted a child, but I had no idea how this little baby completely changed me as a person,' she said, per The Inquirer. 'I have allowed myself to be vulnerable, emotional, and fully engaged in every moment I get to spend with her. Being her mom is my greatest joy.' Advertisement Lloyd said her soccer career gave her the tools to teach Harper 'how to be strong, to chase her dreams and to understand that nothing in life is handed to you, you earn it,' reported The Athletic. She told the young players who still look up to her to appreciate the journey and embrace challenges that come. She also expressed the hope that they might strive to do one thing that she didn't, The Inquirer reported. 'Cherish the relationships you build along the way,' she said. 'This game will eventually end, but the impact you have on those around you and the lessons you carry with you will last a lifetime.'
USA Today
27-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
USWNT vs. Japan player ratings: U.S. falls short as Nadeshiko takes home SheBelieves Cup
USWNT vs. Japan player ratings: U.S. falls short as Nadeshiko takes home SheBelieves Cup Show Caption Hide Caption Megan Rapinoe on what Coach Emma Hayes brings to the USWNT Megan Rapinoe explains why she's all in on Coach Emma Hayes and what she brings to the U.S. Women's National Team. Sports Seriously For the first time in six years, the U.S. women's national team has failed to win the SheBelieves Cup. And for the first time under Emma Hayes, it has lost a game. Japan ended the USWNT's five-tournament win streak in impressive fashion on Wednesday, defeating Hayes' side 2-1 in a game it mostly controlled. Yūka Momiki stunned the USWNT with a second-minute goal for the Nadeshiko, who only needed a draw to seal the tournament title. The U.S. would answer back 12 minutes later, however, when Ally Sentnor scored her second goal of the SheBelieves Cup. Tōko Koga would find the winner early in the second half, putting home a rebound off a free kick to give Japan three wins in its three SheBelieves Cup games. Plenty of USWNT players weren't at their best at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, but Hayes' side will also have to admit that it lost to a Japan team firing on all cylinders. As a reminder, here's the Pro Soccer Wire player rating scale: 1: Abysmal. Literally any member of our staff would have been been able to play at this level. 6: Adequate. This is our base score. 10: Transcendent, era-defining performance. This is Carli Lloyd vs. Japan in the 2015 World Cup final. GK: Jane Campbell - 5 Campbell had a tough start, as she was hesitant off her line and punished on Japan's early goal. The Houston Dash goalkeeper's only save of the game came on Yui Hasegawa's free kick early in the second half, but Koga pounced on the rebound for the game-winner. It was that kind of night. RB: Emily Fox - 5.5 Fox wasn't up to her typical standards, particularly on Japan's second when she allowed Koga to sneak in behind her and put home a rebound. The Arsenal defender also was unable to influence the proceedings going forward as the USWNT chased the game late. CB: Tara McKeown - 5 McKeown's early unforced turnover led to a throw-in that Japan turned into a goal. From there the Washington Spirit defender had a torrid time with Japan's pressure, often struggling to find a forward pass. She was also caught out on a 25th minute chance where she was bypassed by Hikaru Kitagawa, who fired just wide. On the bright side, McKeown was highly involved defensively with a team-high 11 defensive actions and some key interventions. CB: Emily Sonnett - 5.5 Sonnett was caught out on Japan's opener as Momiki made a blind run off her back shoulder. The defender's recovery effort only managed to plow over Campbell and give the Nadeshiko midfielder an open goal to aim for. Sonnett recovered well to produce some key clearances, but she also struggled in possession through most of the night in the face of Japan's press. LB: Crystal Dunn - 6 Dunn wasn't as clean on the ball as she typically is, going 16 for 22 passing while losing possession 11 times. But she did demonstrate some solid one-v-one defending and nearly got an assist when her cross found Lindsey Heaps for a header that went straight at the goalkeeper. Was replaced at halftime. CM: Lily Yohannes - 5.5 Yohannes didn't have it quite her own way against the ferocious pressure of Japan's midfield, but still displayed some great skill in possession. Ultimately, the teenager was unable to influence the game nearly as much as she did in a breakout display against Colombia. She was replaced early in the second half. CM: Sam Coffey - 6 Coffey did her best to stem the tide in midfield, but it was an uphill battle for the Portland Thorns star. Coffey did her usual ball-winning and was tidy in possession, going 4-for-5 in duels and 32 for 37 in passing. But as the game went on, Coffey was bypassed more and more by Japan's swarming midfield. AM: Lindsey Heaps - 5.5 Much like the game against Colombia, Heaps played her preferred No. 10 role but was unable to make any telling contributions in the final third. Her only real chance of the game was a first-half header on which she got little purchase, and she didn't contribute any key passes or completed crosses. Heaps put in plenty of hard work and won a game-high nine duels, but the USWNT needs more chance generation from its captain and a player who, positionally at least, should be the focal point of the attack. RW: Yazmeen Ryan - 6 Ryan was a livewire for the USWNT attack, particularly late in the first half when a pair of driving runs put real pressure on Japan's defense. The Houston Dash forward's end product wasn't quite sharp enough, however. LW: Ally Sentnor - 6.5 Sentnor did everything right on her second goal of the tournament, making a great run, taking a positive first touch and burying her second touch. Otherwise, it was a pretty rough first half for the Utah Royals star, who saw plenty of attacks fizzle out at her feet. She was replaced at the break. ST: Catarina Macario - 6.5 Hayes complimented Macario's hold-up play ahead of the game and the Chelsea striker showed why on the USWNT's opener. Macario posted up on Saori Takarada and left the defender in the dust before playing an inch-perfect ball for Sentnor to finish. Otherwise, Macario had to fight to get involved during her 58 minutes on the field. That was in large part due to Japan's suffocating defensive work, as the forward ended up with just 25 total touches Sub: Jaedyn Shaw - 5 Shaw came on at halftime and slotted in as a left forward after thriving as a No. 10 against Australia. The 20-year-old was far less effective connecting with her teammates against Japan than the Matildas, though she did manage a decent turn and shot at the goalkeeper with 10 minutes to play. Sub: Jenna Nighswonger - 6 The Arsenal fullback came on at halftime and played a much more attacking role than Dunn did, especially when the USWNT went down a goal and needed to score twice. Nighswonger won all five of her duels and helped connect on some attacking moves, but her defensive work was questionable. Sub: Lynn Biyendolo - 6 Hayes introduced Biyendolo as the U.S. looked for an injection of pace, and the Seattle Reign attacker provided more of a threat in behind than Macario. Biyendolo had a couple tough looks but was unable to trouble the goalkeeper. Sub: Korbin Albert - 6 Albert was deployed much higher than usual as the USWNT looked for two goals late. She connected on a few more forward passes than usual but ultimately didn't have much time or space to influence the game. Sub: Alyssa Thompson - 6 Thompson offered a spark off the bench as she put Japan's defense on its heels, but was a bit shaky at times when offered the chance to play a final ball. Sub: Tierna Davidson - 6.5 Davidson came on midway through the second half, and her calmness in possession and ability to hit a long switch were major assets as the U.S. chased the game late. The defender would've also scored a long-range goal were it not for a great save from Ayaka Yamashita.
USA Today
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Christian Pulisic is ready to pull back the curtain
Christian Pulisic is ready to pull back the curtain Show Caption Hide Caption New USMNT coach shares philosophy for making team a contender in 2026 World Cup Mauricio Pochettino has a lot of work to do to turn around the U.S. Men's National Team before America hosts the 2026 World Cup. "Poch" walks us through his plans. Christian Pulisic has valued his privacy during his hugely impactful decade in the pro game. But the U.S. men's national team star is ready to let the world get a little more acquainted with the person, not just the player. During the most recent episodes of the Paramount+ documentary series "Pulisic," the AC Milan forward continues to delve into his family, his past, and his relationships with friends as well as pro golfer girlfriend Alexa Melton. The second episode, released on Jan. 20, explores Pulisic's often difficult introduction to the European game at Borussia Dortmund. The third, which is out Monday, explores Pulisic's nomadic upbringing, his family, and his relationship with Melton. In both episodes, Pulisic offers a window into his mind that hasn't often been seen since his pro career began with Dortmund in 2016. Before Pulisic debuted for Dortmund at age 17, he had to work his way through the club's academy. In the second episode of the series, Pulisic admitted he was "terrified" to leave Pennsylvania at age 15 and that he didn't receive a warm welcome from fellow youth players in Dortmund. "These kids don't like me," Pulisic said in the show. "These kids won't pass me the ball in training sessions. They don't want to see me succeed." In an interview with Pro Soccer Wire, the AC Milan and USMNT forward said the second episode allowed him to reflect on the difficult early steps he took in Europe. "It brought back a lot of crazy memories, mostly a lot of the tough times that I went through," Pulisic said. "I'm glad that some people will get to see what it's like. It's not always super glamorous. "Leaving at 15 and leaving your home and all your family and friends behind, moving across the world and just trying to take on a challenge that you're not really guaranteed anything. It was extremely difficult." Pulisic was able to break through at Dortmund in spite of a daunting scenario for anyone, let alone a 15-year-old: a new country, a new language, a new team and a professional environment combined with full-time school. The Pennsylvania native said those early years helped to strengthen his mentality, which he's continued to refine through almost a decade in the crucible of some of Europe's biggest clubs. "I deal with difficult moments, whatever the case is — bad performance or things going on outside of the game. I deal with it a lot better now than I than I did five years ago, and than I did 10 years ago. It's all part of growing up," he said. "I've spoken with a lot of teammates and a lot of coaches, and kind of picking their brains and seeing how they've gone through things. Mostly by my closest support system, which I think is highlighted in that third episode. They're the people who helped me get through it." Pulisic mostly lived in Pennsylvania until his move to Dortmund, but also spent a year in England and three years in Detroit after his father Mark was named head coach of pro indoor team Detroit Ignition. The ability to adapt to change was ingrained in Pulisic early on. It's a trait that has helped with several big moves in his career, which has now taken him from Germany to England to Italy. Pulisic's life in Italy is interspersed with footage from his childhood during the series, showing how his upbringing helped shape his present. One element of Pulisic's life that that the show demonstrates in greater detail than anything before is his relationship with Melton. The pair first interacted when Pulisic, as he says in the series, "slid into [her] DMs" after seeing videos of the pro golfer on social media. From there, a burgeoning relationship formed. Having never dated seriously before, Pulisic said that having another close member of his inner circle outside of family is invaluable. Asked what Melton has added to his life, Pulisic responded: "I think just allowing myself to let someone else in my life, besides my direct family, that I can enjoy their presence and talk to regularly. Pulisic added that Melton is "someone who isn't interested in me because of what I do on a soccer field at all." In fact, Pulisic said that he and Melton don't even talk about his day job. "It's nice to have something like that and just step away from the game. Me and her, we don't ever talk about soccer. And I love that. That's one of my favorite things. So it's been great." Having a new relationship is one thing, but pulling back the curtain for the world to see is another thing entirely. As Pulisic becomes more comfortable in the limelight, he feels ready — or at least more ready than before — to let the public into his personal life. "I think that definitely is going to be different for me," he said of showing his relationship on camera. "To be honest, I didn't have any difficulty talking about it. I'm pretty comfortable with my relationships, so I don't think it's any crazy breaking news or anything to anyone. "I think it's more just about realizing where I'm at, documenting me and understanding this was like my first real relationship, pretty late into my life I guess you could say. I'm more than happy for people to see it and I'm excited about it."
