US Women’s National Soccer Team Victory
Following a 2-0 win against Italy on Monday night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US women’s national soccer team coach Emma Hayes spoke highly of 18-year-old Lily Yohannes, asserting her status as a remarkable talent with the potential to excel further. The match marked Yohannes’ 13th appearance and eighth starting role with the national team, which debuted her onto the December USWNT roster.
Coach’s Praise and Future Potential
“You cannot limit someone’s potential,” said Hayes. “While she’s shown exceptional strengths at just 18, we recognize there is still more room for her to grow. Our goal is not only to enhance her existing skills but also to teach her additional techniques that are necessary at the highest level of the game.”
Despite her promising talent, Hayes clarified that, while Yohannes is currently viewed as a ‘world-class prospect’, she must continue to elevate her game to truly reach that esteemed status, underlining that the standards for becoming the top team globally are exceptionally rigorous.
Match Contributions and Development
In the match, Yohannes contributed significantly by providing an assist for teammate Catarina Macario, who scored the opening goal in the 20th minute.
“I focus on emulating midfielders known for their ability to see the field and deliver passes effectively,” Yohannes remarked regarding her development. She emphasized that playing alongside talented forwards enhances her gameplay, making it easier to execute her role.
Building Team Relationships
Yohannes, who gained her first call-up for the USWNT during the 2024 SheBelieves Cup, discussed the importance of establishing solid relationships among teammates to foster scoring opportunities.
“Cat Macario is incredibly skilled; if she’s positioned near the goal, there’s a strong likelihood she’ll score. We’re nurturing a connection both on and off the field, which is very rewarding for me, especially seeing her succeed through my assists,” she noted.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the USWNT is set to commence a training camp from January 17 to 24, where they will compete against Paraguay and another soon-to-be-announced opponent, continuing their preparation for future competitions.
