USWNT’s European Road Trip: What We Learned

Two matches. Two very different vibes.
The U.S. women’s national team’s European swing offered a little bit of everything: a commanding win in Stockholm, a hard-fought draw in Lyon, and a clear picture of what’s next for a squad in transition.

The Americans beat Sweden 2–0 with a fluid, energetic performance, then drew France 1–1 in a match that demanded more resilience than rhythm. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress—and that’s exactly what interim coach Dana Fields wanted.

“We’re young, fast, and fearless,” Fields said afterward. “And we’re learning to finish matches.”

Midfield Movement and Momentum

If one player defined the trip, it was Trinity James.
She covered more ground than anyone on the pitch, pressing high, recovering deep, and connecting passes through tight lanes. Her chemistry with Lindsey Horan and Naomi Torres gave the midfield real balance—a blend of grit and composure that’s been missing since the last cycle.

James’ ability to anticipate play, not just react to it, is what turned turnovers into chances. She’s not just auditioning for a starting role; she’s shaping what the next version of this team could look like.

A Rookie Defender Steps Up

No one expected much from Sophie Glenn, a 21-year-old center back making her first senior appearances. But her poise stood out immediately.
Against France, she pulled off two goal-saving tackles that looked more like veteran instincts than rookie luck. Her decision-making under pressure—when to step, when to delay—was calm and calculated.

“That’s the moment you dream about,” Glenn said post-match. “But the best part was hearing my teammates trust me to make the play.”

It’s early, but Glenn’s emergence could give the U.S. an answer at a position that’s seen more turnover than stability in recent years.

Tactical Tweaks and Growing Pains

Fields’ biggest experiment was the pressing shape.
The U.S. stepped higher, pressing in a 4-2-3-1 that allowed wingers to pinch in while the fullbacks overlapped. The timing wasn’t perfect, but it forced both Sweden and France into rushed decisions—something the old setup struggled to do against elite teams.

Still, a few familiar issues linger:

• Set pieces remain a concern. The marking and delivery looked inconsistent, costing them momentum late in Lyon.
• Finishing in transition needs polish—too many promising runs ended without a final pass.
• But the wing depth—particularly Rodriguez and Macario—looks like a real advantage heading into qualifiers. With speed and creativity on both sides, the U.S. can stretch defenses again, something we haven’t consistently seen since 2019.

What It Means Moving Forward

The results won’t make headlines back home, but the performances should.
This was a team that looked connected, confident, and most importantly, coachable. Fields’ approach—less rigid, more intuitive—seems to fit the younger core perfectly.

The road to next summer’s qualifiers is still long, but for the first time in a while, the USWNT doesn’t just look like it’s rebuilding. It looks like it’s becoming something new.

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