When Emma Hayes was asked at the pre-match press conference on June 28, ahead of their victory over the Republic of Ireland, “Coach, your first time in Cincinnati. What are you expecting from the environment here?” the USWNT head coach didn’t miss a beat. “Well, if this is where Rose comes from, then I like this place,” she replied. If that wasn’t enough to reiterate Rose Lavelle’s importance in the USWNT setup, then perhaps the scoreboard, 4-0 against Ireland, should be convincing enough.

After being sidelined for over 186 days due to an ankle injury sustained during a friendly against the Netherlands on December 4, Rose Lavelle made her return to NWSL Matchday 11. “It feels really great. It was a long time away, which just made me miss it a lot,” she said. She added, “So really happy to be back with the girls.” Though the timing of her return was hopeful, there were questions about whether Coach Hayes would deem her fit enough to be added to the USWNT roster for the double-header against Ireland and, subsequently, Canada on July 3. Hayes delivered on that promise. And with Rose back in the mix, a different energy seemed to ripple through the team.

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Emma’s remarks at two different press conferences made it clear: she wanted Rose Lavelle in the squad at any cost. But why does Lavelle matter so much to Hayes, especially when the USWNT already boasts four other seasoned veterans? A week earlier, when Hayes knew of Lavelle’s availability for the friendlies, her immediate reaction said it all.

“First of all, her personality and character in the locker room have been sorely missed over the past six months,” Hayes said. “She’s supremely gifted as a football player and operates in that eight-to-ten role… She’s someone who is maturing into a top-level footballer.” And on Thursday, Lavelle marked her return with her 25th career international goal, becoming only the 19th player in USWNT history to reach that milestone.

Speaking again about Cincinnati at the pre-match presser, Hayes said, “Rose is a world-class football player. I’ve said it so many times—when I took this job, she was probably the one player I was most looking forward to working with. I think the structure we’ve put in place has allowed her game to reach another level.” She continued, “What we saw the other night is just how much we’ve missed her—even in the few months she’s been away.” Hayes added, “But I have to proceed with a bit of caution because she’s just returning. It’s a really tight turnaround, and I’ll have to manage things properly tomorrow. Still, we’re delighted to have her back.”

Lavelle marked her return with a goal and an assist in a superb performance after seven months on the sidelines. Thanks to her contributions, the USWNT defeated Ireland 4–0 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, on Thursday.

But there’s a catch. Rose herself admits she’s not entirely sure she’s fully recovered from her ankle injury. Nonetheless, she’s thrilled to be playing at home in the next match. “I feel like it’s kind of a full-circle moment to be able to give back to the sport in the same way that it gave to me,” Lavelle said, reflecting on the upcoming Cincinnati game. “Hopefully, every girl and boy in Cincinnati can look up to me and realize that they can be in this position too,” she added.

The second match will take place in Cincinnati, and as the fixture approaches, Emma Hayes has already sent a subtle warning to her counterpart from Ireland.

Emma Hayes’ not so subtle warning to the Ireland head coach 

Game 1 of the friendlies between Ireland and the USWNT featured standout performances from defender Avery Patterson, midfielders Sam Coffey and Rose Lavelle, and forward Alyssa Thompson, giving the U.S. a commanding win. With the next match around the corner, the 48-year-old Hayes hinted at her approach for the game at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Speaking after the 4–0 victory, Hayes told reporters, “Yeah, no, I won’t change who I am. Definitely not—not for anyone, even if I like you. The U.S. Women’s National Team has such a high bar that it’s up to me to keep pace with that and deliver teams that pursue excellence every time, so we will absolutely be looking to do that again.” She also appeared to send an indirect message to her Irish counterpart, 41-year-old Carla Ward who once jokingly referred to Hayes as having a “mentality monster” quality as a salute to the relentless drive and winning mindset that has defined Hayes’ career.

Interestingly, Hayes and Ward have been contemporaries even before Hayes took charge of the USWNT. Ward has frequently expressed her admiration for the English tactician and has openly acknowledged the influence Hayes has had on her coaching journey. Despite now being on opposing sides, Ward remains deeply grateful for the counsel and guidance she has received from Hayes over the years.

As reported by the Irish Independent on June 27, 2025, Ward knows the challenges her team faces not only tactically but also physically. With scorching temperatures reaching 34 degrees Celsius in both Colorado and Cincinnati, some of her star players are missing from the roster, while others are battling fatigue. Still, Ward has promised not to “park the bus” and insists her squad will take the game to the Americans, regardless of the conditions or personnel.

The USWNT, meanwhile, holds a dominant record against Ward’s team. In their 16 total meetings, Hayes’ squad has outscored Ireland 55–1. According to USSoccer.com, it’s the best 100% win record the U.S. has against any opponent in program history, and it marks their longest winning streak against a UEFA nation. Credit also goes to the U.S. goalkeepers, with the team keeping 13 consecutive clean sheets against Ireland.

Heading into the second match, the USWNT is under little pressure to prove itself. But for Carla Ward and her squad, still searching for a breakthrough, the stakes are higher. With Hayes’ relentless standards and Ward’s bold determination, the next friendly is set to be as much a tactical battle as a test of mentality, something both coaches know plenty about.