USWNT’s Attacking Depth on Display Ahead of Spain Matches

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Women’s National Team’s attacking depth has been on full display in the NWSL this season, leaving head coach Emma Hayes with options for the upcoming matches against Spain.

Three of the NWSL’s top six scorers – Ashley Sanchez, Sophia Wilson and Trinity Rodman – are among the forwards on the October roster. Meanwhile, the club performances of Trinity Byars and Pietra Tordin, who have scored 10 and eight goals this season, respectively, earned the pair their first-ever USWNT call-ups.

“We have so much depth within the roster,” Rodman told media on Friday. “I think everybody is kind of on an equal playing field, and we all push each other in an amazing way.”

Rodman has 11 goals and eight assists through 27 games with the Washington Spirit, which is on its way to its third-straight playoffs. She has competed in all 10 USWNT matches this year, recording two goals and two assists.

This camp marks the reunion of Rodman and Sanchez, who played three seasons together with the Spirit before Sanchez was traded to the North Carolina Courage in 2024. Sanchez is in the midst of a record-breaking season with the Courage, having scored 20 goals, the most ever by an American player, putting her just one goal shy of setting the new single-season scoring record. She also has four assists.

Sanchez has 28 international appearances, but the last time she saw the field for the USWNT was nearly two years ago.

“I'm obviously really proud of her,” Rodman said of Sanchez. “She's been through a lot of ups and downs – coming in the National Team, not starting, getting traded, and just so many things that she's overcome. Even just playing in the midfield (for many years) and now being a top goal scorer on the wing, I think is really impressive. I do think this is her time, and I'm very excited to be able to share the field with her.”

In between Sanchez and Rodman on the NWSL goal scoring list is Sophia Wilson, who has 13 goals and five assists for the Portland Thorns. This month marks her third-consecutive USWNT camp since returning from the birth of her daughter. Wilson competed in all three April matches against Japan, scored her first goal back in the opening match against Brazil on June 6 and three days later forced the game-winning own goal in the team’s last outing in Fortaleza.

“(Sophia is) always so determined to score goals,” Hayes said, "but really, how she links with the rest, and whether that's an attacking sense or defending sense, is what truly sets her apart. She's a great team player and great learner, and I know that she's really ready to step up a level with her qualities in the final third. Having Soph back at a really good level has been fun to see this camp, and I'm looking forward to watching her play tomorrow.”