USWNT Suffers First Ever Defeat to Portugal Under Hayes

The United States women's national soccer team suffered a surprising 2-1 loss to Portugal, a team they had historically dominated, marking Portugal's first-ever win over the USWNT. Despite Rose Lavelle scoring early in the match, the USWNT struggled to maintain cohesion and conceded two goals from corner kicks, highlighting defensive lapses and poor team coordination after a long break of 113 days without playing together. Coach Emma Hayes expressed frustration, describing the team's performance as unrecognizable and likening the game to a frustrating "whack-a-mole" experience due to repeated mistakes and lack of connection. Hayes and players acknowledged the challenges posed by the extended time apart and a largely new defensive lineup, but emphasized that excuses like rust or youth would not be accepted, underscoring the high standards expected from the team. The loss marked the USWNT's third defeat in 2025, and Hayes indicated that improvements are expected as the team regroups and more key players return to the squad. The team aims to respond positively in upcoming matches, including a rematch against Portugal and a game against New Zealand.