The Comeback Kid
Real talk: Ashley Sanchez is absolutely cooking this season. The North Carolina Courage playmaker has been on an absolute tear, dropping 20 goals in 26 matches—an NWSL record for an American player. Now, that main character energy is taking her back to the USWNT. Head coach Emma Hayes has officially recalled Sanchez for October’s friendlies against world champions Spain, marking her first national team appearance since October 2024.
The Squad Vibes
It’s giving depth. Hayes is bringing back core stars like Naomi Girma and Sam Coffey, who are rejoining the squad to solidify the defensive and midfield rotations. Mallory Swanson is also back on the roster after a break. Despite limited minutes for the Chicago Stars recently as she manages recovery, she remains a key part of the attack alongside familiar faces Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson.
This window is all about testing new talent, too. Four players—Jordan Silkowitz, Evelyn Shores, Pietra Tordin, and Trinity Byars—have received their first senior call-ups. Hayes is looking to see if these rising stars can hang when the pressure is at its peak.
Why it matters
These matches on October 10 in D.C. and October 13 in Philadelphia are the ultimate litmus test. Facing the defending World Cup champions is the perfect way to re-establish chemistry and see if the NWSL’s best performers, especially a scoring machine like Sanchez, can translate their club success to the international stage. It’s a W in the making if the connections click.
