USWNT End 2025 on a High with 2-0 Win over Italy
Match Recap: Macario and Shaw Deliver First-Half Goals
In their final outing of 2025, the U.S. women’s national team (USWNT) secured a 2-0 victory over Italy, marking their fourth consecutive win. Head coach Emma Hayes made five changes to her lineup from the previous friendly, and the adjustments paid dividends early. Catarina Macario opened the scoring in the 20th minute, capitalizing on a perfectly weighted pass from Lily Yohannes. Macario’s long run into the box culminated in a curled finish that found the top corner.
Just before halftime, Jaedyn Shaw doubled the lead. Alyssa Thompson threaded a precise through ball past Italy’s defense, allowing Shaw to slot a composed strike past goalkeeper Francesca Durante. With two clinical first-half goals, the USWNT effectively put the game out of reach and closed out the match on cruise control.
Possession and Expected Goals
Despite dominating possession, the USWNT created fewer scoring chances than in their earlier meeting with Italy. The team recorded 16 shots and posted 1.44 expected goals (xG), their second-lowest xG total of the year. Italy, by contrast, managed just six attempts and accumulated 0.31 xG, failing to seriously test U.S. goalkeeper Claudia Dickey. Overall control and defensive discipline ensured Italy never mounted a comeback threat.
Building Depth under Emma Hayes
Since taking charge, Emma Hayes has used 30 matches to experiment with personnel, promising a revamped USWNT ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup. By handing starts to 50 different players, Hayes has widened the pool and instigated healthy competition for roster spots.
Experimentation and Roster Rotation
Hayes’ strategy of rotating lineups, as demonstrated against Italy, allows emerging talents to stake their claims. Goalkeepers Claudia Dickey and Phallon Tullis-Joyce continue to vie for the starting spot, while center back Naomi Girma remains a defensive mainstay. Young midfielder Lily Yohannes has impressed in limited minutes, offering dynamism and vision in midfield.
Emerging Stars in Attack
The performances of Catarina Macario and Jaedyn Shaw underscore the USWNT’s attacking depth. Macario now boasts seven goals and three assists across her last 14 appearances, and has adapted seamlessly to a No. 9 role. Shaw, with three goals in her past five matches, has translated her NWSL form to the international stage. Alongside Alyssa Thompson—whose creativity was pivotal on Monday—these attackers mitigate the absence of established stars Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson, unavailable for much of 2025.
Looking Ahead: Road to 2027
The USWNT return to action on January 24 with a friendly against Paraguay, a vital step on the road to the 2026 Concacaf W Championship. That tournament will double as qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, making every selection an audition.
Upcoming Friendly and Concacaf W Championship
– Friendly vs. Paraguay (Jan. 24, 2026): A chance to refine tactics and experiment further.
– Concacaf W Championship (Nov. 2026): The qualifying platform for the 2027 World Cup, where depth and cohesion will be tested under pressure.
As Hayes continues her year-long rebuild, the USWNT’s blend of youth and experience appears capable of sustaining the program’s historic success. Monday’s win over Italy not only wrapped up a productive 2025 but also reinforced the foundation for what promises to be a competitive, high-powered team in the years to come.