# USWNT Player Ratings: Stars Shine in Dominant 4-0 Victory Over Ireland

Our comprehensive **USWNT player ratings** reflect another masterclass in squad management from coach Emma Hayes, as a heavily rotated United States side secured a second consecutive 4-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland. In front of an enthusiastic crowd at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, the USWNT showcased its incredible depth, with a mix of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance proving far too much for the visitors to handle. The win, the 600th in the program’s storied history, demonstrated that Hayes’ new era is building formidable momentum, capable of producing dominant results regardless of the personnel on the pitch.

Just three days after an initial convincing win, Hayes opted for a complete overhaul, naming an entirely new starting XI. This bold move provided a platform for several players to stake their claim, including two debutants: Kansas City Current defender Izzy Rodriguez and Seattle Reign FC midfielder Sam Meza. The decision paid off handsomely, as the team displayed immediate chemistry and an unwavering commitment to Hayes’ tactical plan. The performance underscored a key theme of Hayes’ early tenure: creating a competitive environment where every player is ready to contribute.

### Veteran Leadership and a Captain’s Goal

Leading the line and wearing the captain’s armband for the first time was veteran forward Lynn Williams. At 32, Williams was the most experienced player in the lineup, and she played the part to perfection. She set the tone early, providing a constant outlet and pressing relentlessly from the front. Her leadership was rewarded in just the 12th minute when she opened the scoring with a sublime finish. Racing Louisville’s Emma Sears delivered a perfectly weighted chip into the box, and Williams met it with a decisive one-time volley that left the Irish goalkeeper with no chance. It was a captain’s goal, her 25th on the international stage, and a moment that settled any nerves for the young squad around her.

## A Closer Look at the USWNT Player Ratings

The 4-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of American dominance, but the individual performances tell an even richer story. From debutant goalscorers to tireless workhorses, several players stood out. Here are our complete **USWNT player ratings** from the victory in Cincinnati.

#### **Goalkeeper**
**Casey Murphy: 7/10**
While largely a spectator for long periods, Murphy was composed and decisive when called upon. She commanded her box with authority on set pieces and her distribution was clean, initiating several attacks from the back. A quiet but confident performance.

#### **Defenders**
**Izzy Rodriguez: 8.5/10**
A dream debut for the Kansas City Current defender. Rodriguez was defensively solid, never looking out of place on the international stage. Her crowning moment came in the 42nd minute when she ghosted into the box to score her first USWNT goal, capping an unforgettable first appearance.

**Sam Staab: 7/10**
The Chicago Red Stars center-back was a calming presence in the heart of the defense. Her positioning was excellent, and she read the game well to intercept several Irish attacks before they could develop.

**Naomi Girma: 7.5/10**
Though she only played the first half, Girma was her usual composed self, effortlessly stepping out of defense with the ball and breaking lines with her passing. Her partnership with Staab looked solid.

#### **Midfielders**
**Sam Coffey: 8/10**
Anchoring the midfield, Coffey was exceptional. She broke up play effectively and recycled possession with intelligence and precision. Her ability to control the tempo of the game allowed the attacking players ahead of her to flourish.

**Sam Meza: 7/10**
Another player making her senior debut, Meza showed flashes of the quality that made her a star at the collegiate level. She was energetic, tidy in possession, and linked up well with her teammates before being substituted at the half. A promising start.

**Yazmeen Ryan: 8.5/10**
After a solid first half, the Gotham FC attacker exploded in the second. Her pace and direct running on the wing created endless problems for the Irish defense. She was rewarded for her persistence with a well-taken goal in the 66th minute, her first for the USWNT.

#### **Forwards**
**Lynn Williams: 9/10 (Player of the Match)**
A true captain’s performance. Williams led by example with her work rate, intelligent movement, and a brilliantly taken opening goal. She was a mentor to the younger players on the pitch and a constant threat throughout her time on the field.

**Alyssa Thompson: 8/10**
The 19-year-old sensation continues to impress. Thompson’s blistering pace is a nightmare for defenders, and she used it to great effect. She sealed the dominant performance with a cool finish for the fourth goal, showcasing her growing confidence and clinical edge.

**Emma Sears: 8/10**
Sears was a revelation, running tirelessly for the full 90 minutes. Her pinpoint assist for Williams’ goal was a moment of pure quality, and her relentless energy down the flank was a key feature of the USWNT’s attacking play.

### Hometown Hero’s Welcome

The night was made even more special in the final minutes. As chants of “We want Rose!” echoed around TQL Stadium, Emma Hayes obliged, bringing on Cincinnati native Rose Lavelle. The star midfielder, who had scored in the previous match, received a thunderous ovation from her hometown crowd. “It’s always special coming home,” Lavelle said afterward. “It was special for me to have that moment.” It was another shrewd piece of management from Hayes, rewarding a key player and connecting the team with its passionate fanbase.

This victory, built on the foundation of tactical flexibility and squad depth, sends a clear message about the direction of the team under its new coach. For more analysis on the USWNT’s journey, be sure to check back for more news. As confirmed on the official U.S. Soccer match report, the blend of new talent and established veterans is creating a potent and exciting version of the USWNT.