U.S. women’s soccer battles England to spirited scoreless draw

In a matchup of the two best women’s teams in the FIFA rankings, the U.S. had the best chances but the game ended 0-0.

U.S. forward Alyssa Thompson jumps over England's Lucy Bronze during Saturday's game.Read moreKirsty Wigglesworth / AP

by Samuel Petrequin, Associated Press

Published Nov. 30, 2024, 4:14 p.m. ET

LONDON — Emma Hayes oversaw a dominant display from her United States team at a packed Wembley Stadium on Saturday, but the Londoner didn’t taste victory on her return to England on Saturday.

Hayes, who coached the U.S. women to the Olympic soccer gold medal this summer after 14 major trophies at Chelsea, came home for a friendly matchup between the two best women’s teams in the FIFA rankings. The U.S. had the better chances but the game ended in a 0-0 draw.

“I’m super proud of the way we imposed ourselves on the game. It’s just the last part of the pitch,” Hayes said. “Generally, I’m pleased with the performance.”

The U.S. was without its injured attacking trio of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson. But the quality among the visitors still overwhelmed England, which had injury issues, too. Forward Lauren Hemp and defender Maya Le Tissier were ruled out.

Alyssa Thompson’s curling shot forced an early save from England goalkeeper Mary Earps as the U.S. pinned England in its half. The Americans dominated possession and earned a lot of space to develop their game and press high.

But they lacked an edge in the final third and could not break the deadlock.

Sam Coffey’s shot from the edge of the box in the 44th minute was easily stopped by Earps, and U.S. captain Lindsey Horan had a goal disallowed at the start of the second half.

The U.S. also received a penalty, but it was reversed after the replay showed the ball hit Alex Greenwood in the chest, not her arm as originally believed.

However, one of the most successful coaches in the women’s game was left satisfied. Hayes won seven Women’s Super Leagues in a 12-year reign at Chelsea. During that time, the men’s team had 11 different managers.

She was asked how she felt about being in the away dugout while listening to the English national anthem.

“You can be two things at once,” Hayes said. “I’m a proud Englishwoman who is proud to coach America. I don’t have to choose. I definitely love both countries.”