USWNT Roster Radar: Turner's Aerial Magic and Bethune's Blues in NWSL Stock Watch

The NWSL is tearing along at breakneck speed, already three weeks deep with four matchdays in the bag. This weekend's action was the last hurrah before the FIFA international break, and crucially, the final slate before Emma Hayes unveils her squad for those mouthwatering friendlies against Japan on April 11, 14 and 17. If you're plotting your USWNT dream team, grab a notepad – here's our cheeky stock up, stock down rundown from a Stars and Stripes lens. Who's bubbling up for selection? Who's nursing a wobble?

Stock Up: Heroes Lighting It Up

First off, Reilyn Turner is having a proper moment with the Portland Thorns. In their 2-0 thumping of Kansas City Current, the 23-year-old soared like a rocket to nod home a beauty past keeper Lorena. We're talking Route 1 football – that old-school long punt – transformed into high art. Jittery footwork, neck like a giraffe, ghosting past defenders... Hayes might not crave a pure target woman, but Turner's leap on crosses and her knack for latching onto through balls make her a nightmare matchup. Third season in, and she's only getting stickier.

Then there's Sophia Wilson, also of the Thorns, who's shaking off the baby blues like a pro. No goal against the Current, but she rattled the post, won a penno, and flashed silky touches plus jet-heeled pace we haven't seen since her sprog arrived in September 2025. Her first start of the year lasted 68 minutes – longest stint yet after sub appearances of 13, 31 and 45. Hayes has been cautious post-maternity, skipping her for the SheBelieves Cup, but this window? Wilson smells like a shout.

Over in Seattle, Claudia Dickey was the Reign's shutdown artist in their gritty 2-1 win over Racing Louisville. Up 2-0 at half-time on slim pickings (two from three shots), they weathered an 11-3 shot storm second half. Dickey? Five saves, nearly a clean sheet bar a last-gasp ricochet. Reign love parking the bus when ahead, and she nailed the brief – simple, solid, no faff.

Stock Down: Bumps in the Road

Spare a thought for Croix Bethune at Kansas City. Three defeats on the spin, and the 25-year-old playmaker wore her frustration like a badge in that 2-0 loss to Portland. Yellow for her one foul (fouled thrice herself), yet zero chances created in 70 minutes. Marked out of the game, shoved wide – fair play to the Thorns, but Bethune needs to wriggle free. Missed the last camp through availability, her spot feels dodgy now. Gaffer Chris Armas is sweating a rotten start; unlocking her's priority one.

Jameese Joseph is hit by the skids too. Four games, zero goals or assists for Chicago Stars – latest a 68-minute blank in a 2-0 defeat to San Diego Wave (23 touches, no shots, zilch created). She dazzled in January camp and SheBelieves, but rivals like Turner and Wilson are surging. Chicago's sluggish form ain't helping the 23-year-old breakout kid.

And Jaedyn Shaw? Ouch. Hamstring woes have sidelined the Gotham FC star for three straight. NJ/NY Gotham's sole win? Opening day 1-0 at Boston Legacy, Shaw bossing 90 minutes. Since? 0-1-2, goalless. Injury timing's brutal – will she be fit for Hayes' call-up?

Hayes' Headache: Who Makes the Cut?

Emma's got options galore, but form's the kingmaker. Turner's headers scream 'pick me', Wilson's sharpening up nicely, Dickey's a rock. Bethune and Joseph need a spark, Shaw's crossing fingers. NWSL's a USWNT factory, and with Japan looming, expect fireworks in that roster drop. Who's your shout? Hit the comments – pint's on me if you nail it.

(Drawing inspiration from SI Soccer's sharp weekend digest.)