U.S. Women’s National Team to blend youth, experience vs. Italy on Monday night
The U.S. Women’s National Team will close out 2025 with a friendly against Italy at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Monday night at 7.
The soccer teams played Friday in Orlando, and the U.S. won 3-0 on a brace by Cat Macario and a goal by Olivia Moultrie. The USWNT has won seven of its last nine matches by margins of at least three goals, and it was the 15th match in a row in which the U.S. scored.
Coach Emma Hayes, who is entering her 30th game with the national team, is using these matches to evaluate players who lack experience and allow for leaders to emerge among the veterans.
“The depth of the team is growing so much and that is the most important thing with the U.S. national team,” said 31-year-old captain Lindsey (Horan) Heaps.
“It’s the most competitive environment I’ve ever been a part of and that’s been through years and years and years. To have these new young players coming through and absolutely killing it, putting on a show in this last game, and with the balance of experienced players, that’s what makes us so strong.”
Moultrie, 20, was one of the younger players on the field Friday, along with Jaedyn Shaw (21), Alyssa Thompson (21), Claire Hutton (19) and Lily Yohannes (18).
“I’ve always said that we’re building towards something, and we have to build cap accumulation across the squad,” Hayes said after that game. “There’s a lot of players that lack experience...it’s going to take us a little bit of time. We’re not there yet, and we have to experiment with players to give them the right experiences and yes, some of that will be for 2027 and some beyond that.”
Hayes is building the team toward the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
“We’re in the middle of [planning for the qualifiers],” she said. “All of our energy is in qualifying for the World Cup, that’s everything we are focused on. And we close out the year with one more game, and then we have January, then She Believes, and two other opportunities before we get into October. We need to recognize there’s not a lot of time so every single minute matters.”
Midfielder Sam Coffey added: “Emma’s been real intentional about giving the younger players an opportunity so that when 2027 comes around, everyone is ready to go,” she said. “Being able to step into moments against a top side is a great step forward for us. Our depth is going to be our most lethal weapon going forward.”
HOW TO WATCH USWNT vs. ITALY ON TV
The match will be broadcast live on TBS with English commentary. Spanish commentary can be found on Peacock starting at 7 p.m. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.
HOW TO STREAM USWNT vs. ITALY
Fans can stream USWNT vs. Italy on HBO MAX with English commentary and Peacock with Spanish commentary starting at 7 p.m. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are available through TicketMaster