NWSL Matchweek 2: The USWNT Selection Scrap Heats Up

Picture this: with Emma Hayes eyeing her next USWNT squad for those friendlies against Japan on April 11, 14 and 17, every NWSL dash and duel matters. As the clock ticks down to 2027 World Cup qualifiers in Brazil – just eight months away – players are scrapping like it's a relegation six-pointer. Drawing from the sharp eye of SI Soccer, we've dissected Matchweek 2 to spot who's surging into Hayes' good books and who's nursing a stock dip.

It's do-or-die stuff. One blistering run could earn you a plane ticket; one sloppy shift might leave you on the couch. Let's crack on with the risers and fallers.

Stock Surging: Speed Demons and Shutout Specialists

First off, Emma Sears from Racing Louisville. Blimey, what a strike! The 25-year-old winger scooped up the ball near her own box, embarked on a mad 70-yard solo charge, and slotted past Washington Spirit keeper Sandy MacIver. She breezed past Tara Rudd like the defender was glued to the turf. Sure, Louisville couldn't hold the 2-0 lead – Spirit clawed back to 2-2 – but Sears also chipped in an assist for Kayla Fischer's opener. Hayes loves raw pace off the bench, and this direct rocket has her ticking boxes.

Over on the West Coast, Gisele Thompson channelled her inner full-back flyer for Angel City. The 20-year-old bombed from right back to bury the second in a 3-1 smash of Bay FC. Spotting space behind their high line, she timed her overlap to perfection. With Emily Fox owning the USWNT right-back slot, Thompson's battling Avery Patterson for scraps – this gem screams 'select me!'

Defensive nod to M. A. Vignola at Portland Thorns. In a 2-0 Cascadia derby win over Seattle Reign, she bossed the left flank despite playing 90 minutes with 10 men from minute nine, then nine from 57. Five-from-six duels won, two tackles, two picks, four recoveries – her flank was a no-go zone. Hasn't sniffed USWNT since 2023, but full-back queues are long; this screams 'I'm ready, guv'nor.'

Stock Slipping: Rust, Wobbles and Bench Blues

Sad trombone for Michelle Cooper at Kansas City Current. Back from a 2025 foot knock, the 23-year-old winger's starting again – but subbed at half-time for the second week running. One wayward shot, four box touches, zero chances created, and KC trailed 1-0 when she trudged off. Chicago Stars nicked it 2-1, with sub Haley Hopkins slicing in properly. Too soon for international duty; she's not firing on all cylinders yet.

Tara Rudd of the Spirit is centre-back backup chat fodder behind Naomi Girma and Emily Sonnett. Looked solid versus Argentina lately, but Sears humiliated her with that turbo run. Spirit's backline organisation's creaking early doors in 2026 – Hayes has trusted her more, but this was a proper howler.

Finally, Jameese Joseph – recent USWNT camp buzzkid for Chicago Stars. Benched in their 2-1 win over KC, she got 29 minutes with the game in the bag. No shots, no creates, ball mostly in corners, one defensive poke. Kept it tidy, no turnovers, but in lockdown mode, it's hard to shine. Needs starts to stay in Hayes' thoughts.

The Bigger Picture: Friendlies Loom Large

As rosters drop soon, Hayes is tinkering – verticality up top, steel at the back. Sears and Thompson bring that 'break the lines' edge; Vignola's grit fits the grind. But Cooper's rehabbing, Rudd's shaky, Joseph's peripheral.

NWSL's a USWNT proving ground, and Matchweek 2 delivered drama. Who's boarding that Japan flight? Hayes holds the cards, but these performances are shouting loud. Keep eyes peeled – next window's a beauty contest with bite.