NWSL Matchweek 2: USWNT Stars Soar and Stumble in Roster Scrap

With Emma Hayes eyeing her next USWNT squad for friendlies against Japan on April 11, 14 and 17, the NWSL is turning into a proper pressure cooker. Just eight months from World Cup qualifiers in Brazil, every dribble, tackle and dodgy back-pass counts. Drawing from sharp analysis by SI Soccer, we've dissected Matchweek 2 – who's climbing the ladder and who's wobbling on the top rung?

Think of it like a pub league where the pints are on the line: impress now, or watch someone else neck your spot.

Stock Up: The Ones Turning Heads

First off, Emma Sears from Racing Louisville. Blimey, what a solo run! The 25-year-old winger snatched the ball outside her own box, charged 70 yards like a greyhound off the leash, and slotted past Washington Spirit keeper Sandy MacIver. She breezed past Tara Rudd as if the defender was glued to the turf. Sure, Louisville drew 2-2, but Sears also chipped in an assist for Kayla Fischer's opener. Hayes loves pacey, direct wingers – Sears screams super-sub material.

Over at Angel City, Gisele Thompson was pure class from right-back. In their 3-1 smash of Bay FC, the 20-year-old bombed forward, sniffing space on the overlap and smashing home the second. She read the game like a chess master, leaving her marker for dead. With Emily Fox owning the USWNT right-back slot, Thompson's battling Avery Patterson for scraps – this performance screams 'pick me!'

Don't sleep on M.A. Vignola at Portland Thorns. In a 2-0 Cascadia Derby win over Seattle Reign, she bossed the left flank despite her side playing with nine players from the 57th minute. Full 90 minutes, 5/6 duels won, two tackles, two interceptions. Nothing got past her. Last capped in 2023, she's knocking on the full-back door again.

Stock Down: Rough Weekend Vibes

Michelle Cooper at Kansas City Current is easing back from injury, but it's not clicking yet. The 23-year-old winger started, fired one wayward shot (0.14 xG), had four box touches, zero chances created – then hooked at half-time with her side 1-0 down. Chicago Stars nicked it 2-1, and sub Haley Hopkins showed the killer runs Cooper's missing. Too soon for international duty, mate.

Tara Rudd of the Spirit had a shocker. Beaten for speed by Sears in Kentucky, questions linger over her organising at the back. With Naomi Girma and Emily Sonnett locked as USWNT centre-back anchors, Rudd was backup favourite post-Argentina friendlies. Early 2026 stumbles hurt.

Finally, Jameese Joseph for Chicago Stars. The 23-year-old breakout from recent camps got just 29 minutes in their 2-1 win over Current, with the game already sewn up. No shots, no chances created, mostly corner flags. Solid defensively, no turnovers – but in a lock-down job, she needed more spark.

The Bigger Picture

Hayes is tinkering up top, craving verticality and grit. Sears and Thompson deliver that in spades, while Vignola's resilience shines. On the flip, Cooper needs match sharpness, Rudd defensive steel, and Joseph attacking zip.

The roster reveal looms – expect fireworks. For 2027 World Cup prep, these NWSL battles are gold. Who's your shout for the Japan trip? Pour another round and debate.