The United States women’s national team (USWNT) doesn’t have the luxury of time to find form again after a poor World Cup. Action must be taken immediately because the Paris Olympics are less than a year away.
Vlatko Andonovski’s resignation as coach was announced on Wednesday. He inevitably stepped down after the dismal performance. It is imperative to take immediate action in light of the team’s premature elimination from the round of 16—a first in World Cup or Olympic history—and Andonovski’s failure to win any of the major competitions.
Andonovski faced a difficult task leading a two-time World Cup champion squad through pandemic-related difficulties and untimely injuries after taking over in 2019 before the Tokyo Games.
However, the USWNT’s underwhelming performances in the World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics (where the Americans had to be satisfied with the bronze) were caused by more than just outside forces. The team members’ individual inventiveness was constrained by Andonovski’s reliance on a system that failed to capitalise on the players’ advantages and his aversion to change.
Look closely at the available talent
The USWNT is at a crucial crossroads after an incredible 11-year run that included two World Cup victories and Olympic gold in 2012: should it hold onto its past heroes or develop young talent? Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz have given their resignation notice; goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher shines, but she will be 39 in 2027. Wingback Kelly O’Hara will also be 39. Striker Alex Morgan will be 38.
It’s time to discover untapped talent and look to the future. San Diego Wave’s Jaedyn Shaw performs brightly alongside up-and-comers Olivia Moultrie and Chloe Ricketts. Let new faces control the pitch.
Failure has a powerful force that should not be undervalued, and now is the moment for the USWNT, particularly its up-and-coming talents, to harness it. A pivotal turning point was marked by Sophia Smith’s agonising miss on a game-changing penalty, Trinity Rodman’s shock, and Lindsey Horan’s tears. The USWNT may develop an unbreakable resolve with the help of these powerful feelings—pain, sadness, shame, and determination—and return to their former glory.