USWNT Finishes off 2025 International Calendar with a win over Italy

Scored in the first, defended well in the second

Fort Lauderdale, FL – The U.S. Women’s National Team concluded their 2025 International season with a home match against Italy at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Another tough matchup looms before the Christmas holiday, as Emma Hayes’ side has one more chance to secure a result. They would play a strong first half and a defensive second half, as the USA defeated Italy by a final score of two goals to nil.

Opening goal for the USA

The ball was bouncing around in midfield as both teams were trying to get control. It was Lily Yohannes who got the ball and sprang Catarina Macario into an attacking run down the near side. As soon as Macario got toward the Italian area, she chipped the ball toward the net and caught the keeper off her line, while bending towards the inside of the far post. Splashed the sidenetting for the opening goal in the 20th minute.

Late goal in the first half

The USA was building up the attack from the near side of the pitch, then working it through the midfield, then toward the far side. As Alyssa Thompson saw an opening laid off a nice pass in front to Jaedyn Shaw, making a run toward the area. She got inside and then lashed a beauty of a shot toward the inside of the back post and splashed it in the side netting in the 41st minute for the second goal of the match.

Playing hard and still dangerous

Throughout the second half, the U.S. Women’s National Team continued to pepper the Italian’s net and get more than the two goals they already pocketed. While they didn’t get a third, they were still dangerous, and they played well. For Claudia Dickey, she wasn’t challenged much, but when she had to make herself big, she was able to keep that ball out of her net.

Making changes and seeing the progress

When you are the head coach of the National Team, and you want to use some players who haven’t had a chance, these are the type of games you want to give those who haven’t had the minutes, or ones who are on the radar for the National Team for the future. Emma Hayes is feeling good from what she has seen this season, including this game against the Italians.

“I think when I watch our team play, I think you’re starting to see the maturity in the performances. And look, it’s not easy when you make changes, but one of the things we do in training… With the limited time we have. Is, by the second half, that back forward trained together. Oh, wait. So? As much as it feels like, oh, there’s all these broken connections, we try and be intentional in how we organise players. But I’m very much about coaching every one of our 26 players to play as us, always,” said Emma Hayes.

The new year is coming very soon, and we will see what Emma Hayes has in store for the Women’s National Team. But for now, they will rest up and enjoy the holiday season. Some of the players will return to their clubs in Europe, while others will return to their USL Gainbridge Super League clubs or take to their offseason from the NWSL.

U.S. Soccer Women’s National Team News:

• U.S. Women’s National Team Destroyes the Kiwis at CPKC Stadium
• USWNT to Make History at CPKC Stadium Against New Zealand in October Finale
• Phallon Tullis-Joyce: Manchester United’s Goalkeeper Bridging Soccer and Science
• U.S. Women’s National Team’s Tara McKeown Of The Washington Spirit Earns NWSL Player of the Week Honor

Red Bull Energy Drink Ad: “From World Cup dreams to backyard games with your best friend — Red Bull fuels the passion that unites players, fans, and their four-legged teammates. Red Bull gives you wings to soar with your pack.”

Bad Dawg Sports Sign-off: “This exclusive U.S. Soccer partnership coverage is brought to you by Bad Dawg Sports — your insider source for the stories that shape American soccer. From groundbreaking partnerships to World Cup preparations, we deliver the coverage that matters.

 Upgrade to our Premium Newsletter for exclusive USMNT/USWNT insights, behind-the-scenes access, and expert analysis from credentialed journalists who understand the beautiful game.