
(Photos from Francisco Avila)(Featured in photo Top to bottom: Mexican Women’s Coach
Pedro Lopez and U.S. Women’s Coach Emma Hayes)
The U.S. Women’s Soccer team and Mexico Women’s Soccer team faced off at Red Bull Arena
in Harrison, New Jersey in an international friendly as the USWNT continued preparations for
the Paris Olympics. The game ended with a victory for the red, white, and blue 1-0 with a
solitary goal from Sophia Smith assisted by Swanson. Both coaches Pedro Lopez and Emma
Hayes from Mexico and the U.S. respectively spoke to the press post-game and reactions and
key points on the match.
Establishing game identity and thoughts on talented USWNT midfielders
Coach Robles spoke to the media initially on thoughts on the pressing throughout the game and
how it was different compared to the game played against the USWNT at the Gold cup
“They’re different situations with our players coming in barley to the 1st liga mx game and 2
week pre seasons alluding to physical differences but I think both teams did well in establishing
identity and it was a very competitive game.”
Robles then answered the second question from the media on what he thought on the midfield of
the USWNT with Coffey and switching to offensive in the second half with Lindsey Horan.
“They’re players with a lot of aggression and great talent, the USWNT is really lucky to have
players of this caliber and degree.”
Execution is key and just stretching the surface with our players
After Robles spoke, Coach Hayes then spoke to the media initially on the match.
“The first half we played really well good in tense moments, I think we rushed our play a little
and intention is good so I can’t fault or criticize the players but teaching them the right moments
of when to progress and when not to and in the penalty box of the right spaces to step into but
that’s gonna take some time and I thought we were really dynamic in the first 15 minutes. I
thought the second half in the first 15 and 20 minutes were so dynamic but I think for me it’s
execution that we’re really gonna work on.”
Hayes then answered the second question on the topic of the abundance of players at her disposal
looking at the dynamic of how much does that have to do with the coaching staff defining
expectations.
“I’m always gonna say great coaching because I value my profession and coaching is putting
players in the right position to perform and with players with great talent helps me allow them to
perform well and the part of coaching I enjoy the most is adapting like to our opponent that has
great players and cover spaces. I think we have a lot of layers and are just stretching the surface
for our players, not just the group that started.”
What’s next for Mexico and the U.S Women’s?
The USWNT will now face Costa Rica for their final Paris Olympics preparation match on
Tuesday, July 16th at 6:30 p.m. central at Audi Field in Washington, DC.
Mexico will now look to improve in their play and setup and reach their future aspirations for
tournament play.