Insights from the USWNT's two Iceland friendlies

Iceland won't want to see a 3-1 result any time soon.

In three days, the US women's national team recorded two consecutive 3-1 victories against Iceland. In both games – the first in Austin, the second in Nashville – the score was 1-1 until the 72nd minute, but Iceland just couldn't keep up.

Notably, in the second meeting, Iceland also became the first team to take the lead against the USWNT under Emma Hayes when Karólína Vilhjálmsdóttir scored an Olimpico in the 31st minute. But the 2024 Olympic champions are still undefeated with a record of 11-1-0 since Hayes took over in June 2024.

No one can match the Americans in terms of depth

The most striking thing about these games was that even when the starting lineup wasn't shining, Hayes was able to turn the game around by making changes. As commendably organized and compact as Iceland was, in the end they succumbed to the sheer quality the USWNT had at their disposal.

Hayes will be delighted that five of the six goals scored across the two games came from substitutes. The USA scored just one goal in the first half, Alyssa Thompson's sensational opener in their first meeting.

At the triumphant Paris Olympics, Hayes relied heavily on her preferred starting XI to get the job done, rarely relying on substitutes. But in that time frame, we saw her tinker with her lineup while also having the confidence to make changes when it wasn't working.

Yes, players like Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan, both Ballon d'Or nominees, will definitely start in future games and not sit on the bench. But big goals from Thompson, Lynn Williams and Jaedyn Shaw, as well as stunning debuts from Emma Sears, Yazmeen Ryan and Emily Sams, will make other nations green with envy.

Alyssa Thompson pushes for “Triple Espresso”

Speaking of Thompson, this was a big international window for the 19-year-old. After not being called up to the USWNT for a year, she returned with a bang during the friendlies in Iceland.

The Angel City winger scored her first international goal in the first game and came on as a full-back in the second game to help stage a comeback from a 1-0 deficit. After the game, Hayes praised the striker for her versatility.

Thompson's incredible form in the league this year, combined with her immediate impact in the US jersey, means she could be pushing for a starting spot on the famous 'Triple Espresso' frontline in the next year or so. Or maybe there will be a “Quadruple Espresso” in the USWNT’s future.

Emma Sears' debut for the ages

Four players – Ryan, Hal Hershfelt, Sams and Sears – received their first U.S. cap at the Friendlies in Iceland.

Sears was the one who grabbed the biggest headlines when she scored a goal and an assist off the bench in Island's second game. She became the first player since Christen Press against Scotland in 2009 to score and assist in her USWNT debut. Very good company to be associated with.

The Racing Louisville rookie was a surprise star in the NWSL in 2024 with five goals and one assist. She was drafted 28th overall by Ohio State and has never been a member of a USWNT junior age group. Their speed and directness when attacking the goal were outstanding. She is another dynamic winger adding to the USA's reputation.

It's been a long year

Not everything was positive for the USA in this international phase. Hayes has experimented a lot and the lack of cohesion when it comes to relationships between players on the pitch has shown.

It's not just the lack of continuity that has contributed to the slowness. Additionally, these friendlies come right at the end of a long NWSL season, which was also interrupted by the Olympics this summer. The USWNT also seemed tired and sloppy at times, which is understandable after a very long year with a lot of football

Yes, quality and urgency were there from the start. But in both games, the USA lacked real enthusiasm for over an hour. Hayes himself described these performances as “a bit rusty” and “sluggish”.

Where is Art Thou Midfield?

Since the debacle of the 2023 World Cup, the USWNT's failing midfield has been under scrutiny.

While the USA won the W Gold Cup and the 2023 Olympics, they have failed to establish a cohesive passing rhythm in the midfield, particularly when teams get into a low block.

Sam Coffey is one of the best passers and defenders in the NWSL. Horan is a strong boxing threat and fighter for Lyon. Rose Lavelle can get out of trouble and fire a lightning-quick shot from outside the box.

However, individuals do not form a complex unit. The USA may be the best team in the world in both boxes, but there were no signs in the friendlies with Iceland that they could push the boundaries between them. Be it with the preferred trio or with Korbin Albert and Olivia Moultrie.