AUSTIN, Texas -- Emma Hayes is more than happy to talk about the impact of Alyssa Thompson, Jaedyn Shaw, and Sophia Smith. All three forwards are young and exciting in their own right, with a common thread between them: they can all score.
The U.S. women's national team have been defined by their ability to produce goals, and for the current USWNT roster, it's shaping up to be packed with prolific strikers.
That was certainly on display as the USWNT continued their unbeaten run under Hayes, defeating Iceland 3-1 at Q2 Stadium Thursday in front of over 18,000 fans. Thompson scored her first international goal, while Shaw and Smith each contributed massive strikes to extend the lead.
Smith, from Hayes' perspective, is doing all of the right things. Thompson is bought in, and Shaw? Well, Hayes can't say enough good things about her feet, her nose for goal, her grit in the box and "her ability to score and make goals is second to none in this country."
Even in limited minutes, Smith put her skills on display, sealing the victory in the 89th minute.
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"Sophia Smith is becoming the prolific striker I want her to become," Hayes said.
So, what does Hayes look for in her attacking line? It's a balancing act up top. It's how the two forwards are moving off the ball, when one of the forwards has it. It's how a player can hold the ball up, either play the bounce pass or turn on a dime. To Hayes, a good forward will capitalize off of the few chances that present themselves in a match.
"I think you can see just how threatening in there [final third] she is," Hayes said about Thompson.
Thompson has been a handful in the NWSL all season, scoring five goals and chipping in seven assists. After the game, Thompson said of the goal, "Honestly that I just scored with the US team and it's been my dream to do that. It will stick in my memory for a long time."
The USWNT doesn't have a shortage in clinical forwards, mind you, and what Hayes seems to really want to cultivate out of her attacking line is final third passing and of course, finishing.
One area that we've seen Hayes capitalize on with the USWNT is how individuals blend, and gel with those around them for great soccer. When the passes are short, quick, and crisp, no one can keep up with the Americans. The attacking line is free-flowing, bold, but also disciplined.
The USWNT will play one more friendly against Iceland on Sunday before heading to Louisville to play Argentina. The U.S. will finish out the year with a trip to Europe, playing England at Wembley Stadium on Nov. 30 and the Netherlands in the Hague on Dec. 3.