Hayes' commitment to the trial period is steadfast, to the point that 25 different players have earned their first cap since she started the job in June 2024, outdoing herself on Wednesday by piecing together the least experienced USWNT lineup in 25 years with an average of 17.

As the second-most capped player for the U.S. this international window, Lavelle found herself navigating a newfound guidance role

The United States women's national team cruised to a friendly victory over New Zealand in Kansas City Wednesday evening.  Scorers: Sears 8', 55', 84', Macario 34', 67', Lavelle 44', It was one-way

This was a fairly dominant showing from the USWNT, which held 50.7 percent of possession, outshot Portugal 10-4 (3-1 on goal) and held a 4-2 advantage on corners. It didn't always look as though it might go that way, as Jéssica Silva equalized for Portugal just five minutes in after Moultrie's first-minute opener.

At the club level, the 20-year-old midfielder from Frisco, Texas, has found new life with Gotham after a short-lived run with the North Carolina Courage and a record $1.25 million transfer. She started her career as a teenager with the San Diego Wave.

Similar to the USWNT, this will be New Zealand’s third game in less than a week. The Football Ferns played a pair of matches against Mexico, losing both. They lost the first match 1-0 last Thursday, before falling 2-0 on Sunday. New Zealand has just three games left before the start of qualifying for the 2027 World Cup begins next February.

While NWSL execs worry about USWNT players choosing European clubs, the lure of UEFA Women's Champions League clubs isn't going away.

USWNT is running away in this international friendly after Rose Lavelle puts the ball just inside the post against New Zealand.

The United States Women’s National Team will take on New Zealand in an international friendly on Wednesday night at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.