A new era for the US Women's National Team under the leadership of the next coach Emma Hayes The U.S. Soccer Federation announced Tuesday that the United States will begin with a dual friendly match against South Korea in early June.
The four-time World Cup winners will face South Korea in Commerce City, Colo., on June 1 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park before facing the same opponents three days later in St. Paul, Minn., at Allianz Field.
“It will be exciting for everyone to have Emma in the team for the games in June,” the USA interim coach said. Twyla Kilgore, as part of the advertisement. “We need as many good matches as possible before the Olympics and South Korea will provide good tests.
“While we will be monitoring every match our players play at their clubs over the next three months, the games in Colorado and Minnesota are the last international matches before the Olympic team is selected, so they will have that extra advantage.”
Kilgore is currently preparing the United States for the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinal against neighbor Canada on Wednesday before joining current Chelsea coach Hayes' staff as an assistant coach.
Hayes was announced as the United States' new permanent coach last November, following the team's early exit from the Women's World Cup in the round of 16. However, she will not take up her position until Chelsea's Women's Super League season finishes on May 18.
Chelsea also remain afloat in the Women's Champions League, with the final taking place on May 25.
Hayes will have little time to prepare to compete in the Paris Olympics, which begin on July 25. One of the biggest tasks he will face immediately is achieving the right mix between a new generation of talent and maintaining confidence in the US team's supporters. Like striker Alex Morgan.
Originally left out of the W Gold Cup roster, Morgan was called up to replace the injured Mia Fishel and scored two goals to help the United States reach the semifinals.
“I continue to fight for a place in every camp, every day. New players are emerging who deserve these call-ups, and this is the beginning. And the goals they score,” Morgan told ESPN's Fútbol Américas on Monday. “We see that with Jenna (Nigsunger), Jay (Jaeden Shaw), Olivia (Moultrie).
“And these players are amazing, very impressive to get to the international stage and show why they deserve to be on this team, the Gold Cup W, and moving towards the Olympics.
“It's a battle,” Morgan said. “But it makes Emma and Twyla's decisions difficult. That's a good thing. I want to make it difficult for them to pick a team. Keep doing what I'm doing and make it difficult for them.”
“Analyst. Web buff. Wannabe beer trailblazer. Certified music expert. Zombie lover. Explorer. Pop culture fanatic.”