USWNT vs Chile

Photography by: Gabriel Bayona Sapag

The U.S. Women’s National Team closed out its January camp with another emphatic result, defeating Chile 5–0 Tuesday night at Harder Stadium in Santa Barbara in a match defined by firsts, experimentation, and a growing sense of depth under head coach Emma Hayes.

Hayes made good on her promise to rotate heavily after Saturday’s 6–0 win over Paraguay, rolling out an entirely new starting XI that averaged just 5.2 international caps — the least experienced U.S. lineup in 25 years. The youthful group responded with composure and control, extending the team’s shutout streak to five matches and showing that the next wave is more than capable of carrying responsibility.

The breakthrough came in the 18th minute through Croix Bethune. The Washington Spirit midfielder latched onto a perfectly weighted ball from debutant Ayo Oke and calmly slipped her finish past Chile goalkeeper Ryann Torrero for her first international goal. Eight minutes later, Jameese Joseph doubled the lead, scoring in her first start for the national team after a clever turn inside the box and a confident left-footed strike.

Emily Sams made it three before halftime, capping a standout night in which she wore the captain’s armband for the first time. After staying forward on a recycled corner kick, Sams met a low cross from Emma Sears and finished from close range to give the U.S. a commanding advantage at the break.

Any lingering doubt was erased almost immediately after halftime. Just 28 seconds into the second half, Sams turned provider, sending a long ball over the top for Sears, who raced onto it and smashed a shot into the upper corner for the fourth goal. It was a deserved moment for Sears, who had twice rattled the post earlier in the match.

Trinity Rodman added the finishing touch in the 68th minute, scoring for the second consecutive game after entering as a substitute. The forward collected a curling pass from Riley Jackson — another debutant — cut onto her left foot, and fired home before celebrating with a dance that pulled Hayes into the moment and brought the sold-out crowd to its feet.

The numbers reflected the dominance. The United States held more than 70 percent of possession, fired 21 shots, and did not allow Chile a single attempt on goal. Goalkeeper Claudia Dickey, earning her seventh cap, was largely a spectator.

Beyond the scoreline, the evening carried historical weight. It marked the first full USWNT international played on California’s Central Coast and a return to Harder Stadium, where the program held preparatory matches ahead of its 1991 World Cup triumph. This time, the focus was firmly on the future.

With January camp complete, Hayes now turns her attention to refining a player pool that continues to expand. The next test comes in March at the SheBelieves Cup, but if this camp proved anything, it’s that the foundation beneath the U.S. Women’s National Team remains deep, dynamic, and ready when called upon.