Emma Hayes took charge of the United States Women's National Team for the first time on Saturday and could not have asked for a better start as her side trounced South Korea with a 4-0 win at DSG Park in Colorado.
The former Chelsea manager ended 12 years in charge of the Blues by leading them to a dramatic Women's Super League title on the final day of the WSL season and after barely a month's break she was back in the dug out - just days after Chelsea confirmed her replacement.
“I get to enjoy these amazing players, I just feel re-energized and I want to coach this group and they want to be coached," Hayes said afterwards.
“You can see we’re building something,” Hayes said. “There’s lots of work to do. There’s lots of holes in our play, no question, but it was a good start.”
READ MORE: Chelsea Women confirm Emma Hayes replacement Sonia Bompastor
Hayes sends parting message as Beth England completes record WSL transfer
READ MORE: How Chelsea flipped script on Emma Hayes to lift record fifth Women's Super League title
Hayes was full of praise for Chicago Red Stars ace Mallory Swanson, who netted twice to end her 15-month dry spell for the national team. Swanson, 26, bounced back from a tough year that saw her sidelined with a torn patellar tendon, missing out on the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Her comeback was marked by a goal in the 34th minute after latching onto a pass from Sophia Smith. Tierna Davidson added two more goals around halftime, before Swanson sealed the deal with another strike 16 minutes from time.
Hayes was effusive about Swanson's display: "I couldn't ask for any more," she said. "She's a player I've always admired, so to get the opportunity to coach and see firsthand the quality she possesses. She's a connector. She's really magnetic, as a human being too, in the way she operates in the team."
"She can multitask: She can do what she's doing on the pitch, and she can listen on the sidelines. I noticed that about her today. Our goal is to keep her fit, keep her healthy, because she's an important part of this team."
Hayes final match in charge of Chelsea saw them clinch a memorable WSL title (2024 Chelsea FC)Swanson was over the moon to be scoring for her nation again: "It's super special," she gushed. "You're never the same person as you were the last day, so taking every learning opportunity that I can, growing, and trying to be an impact on whoever I can."
Smith also shared her optimism about the team's new start: "This is a game we've been waiting to play in, and it feels good leaving it; it feels like we're in a really good place," adding, "There were a lot of emotions going into it. I know I was nervous because it's the first game with a new coach, playing in my hometown."
With another friendly against South Korea in Minnesota on the horizon, followed by matches against Mexico and Costa Rica, Hayes is keen for the USWNT to continue their strong form as they gear up for the Olympics in Paris. She reflected positively on the recent match, saying, "All around, I'm really happy with the first performance, and it's just one step in the right direction,".
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
