“Bottom line, we won’t be able to plan because of this fixture window,” remarked Emma Hayes when asked whether the U.S. Women’s National Team would schedule international friendlies against European sides, especially with those nations tied up in their own Nations League. A valid concern, considering that facing top-tier competition is crucial preparation for what lies ahead at the 2027 World Cup. While Hayes initially ruled out immediate fixtures, she did hint at some action in October, November, and December. And now, it seems she’s delivered on that promise—with a special twist involving ex-veteran stars Alex Morgan and Alyssa Naeher.
Speaking about fulfilling her promise first, the US Soccer has announced two fixtures for October against Portugal. While the opening clash will be played on Thursday, October 23, at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, the return fixture is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut—both venues where the USWNT remains unbeaten. And these two games hold major significance for many, as both Alex Morgan and Alyssa Naeher will be getting a tribute before the kick-off.
A special pre-match ceremony has been scheduled for each player ahead of the upcoming games. In the opening match in Pennsylvania, Alex Morgan will be celebrated at the very stadium where she netted the first of her 123 goals for the national team. Coincidentally, the USA vs. Portugal clash at Subaru Park falls just weeks after the 15th anniversary of her debut international goal, scored on October 6, 2010, against China PR. Morgan officially announced her retirement from both club and international soccer last fall.
August 25, 2018 – Orlando, Florida, United States – Orlando, FL – Saturday August 25, 2018: Alyssa Naeher, Alex Morgan, Orlando Pride vs Chicago Red Stars at Orlando City Stadium. Alyssa Naeher, Alex Morgan – ZUMAt139 20180825_zaa_t139_693 Copyright: xJeremyxReperx
Meanwhile, Alyssa Naeher, a Connecticut native, will receive her tribute at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in USWNT history, she announced her international retirement toward the end of last year, after playing a key role in helping the American women secure a spot at the 2024 Olympics. The only goalkeeper in soccer history to record a shutout in both a World Cup final and an Olympic gold medal match, Naeher last appeared in a U.S. jersey on December 3, 2024, in a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands.
As if seeing these two stars for the last time wasn’t enough, the US Soccer will be giving special-edition bobbleheads of both USWNT legends to the first 2000 fans who will be attending both of these matches. They are exclusive collectibles that honor their achievements and impact on the sport.
Certainly, fans will be eager to see both retired stars take center stage and hear from them one last time. Yet, nothing would top the moment more than Emma Hayes and her squad paying the perfect tribute to these legends by winning both matches. Speaking of which, what’s the game plan?
A win against Portugal could be the ultimate tribute to Alex Morgan and Alyssa Naeher
The beginning of this year has been somewhat favorable for the USWNT. Though they lost the SheBelieves Cup following a defeat to Japan—despite wins over Australia and Colombia—the April window saw them face Brazil twice, with one win and one loss. In the May and June windows, they delivered strong performances, including a convincing 3-0 win over China, a 4-0 victory against Jamaica, two 4-0 wins over the Republic of Ireland, and a 3-0 result against Canada. All in all, these results give them a solid confidence boost heading forward.
Yet, Emma Hayes isn’t taking anything lightly. “Portugal is a growing team that will be highly motivated for these matches, but as always, these three games are more opportunities to work on us,” said U.S. head coach Emma Hayes. “I’m very impressed with the progress we’ve made since the Olympics, and I want to give a lot of credit to the players for embracing our culture and ideas, but our staff and the players know we still have much work to do before World Cup qualifying next year.”
Credits: Instagram/Lindsey Heaps
Notably, there’s also the possibility of a third match being scheduled at CPKC Stadium, home of the Kansas City Current. However, nothing has been finalized yet, as approval is still pending from the USWNT Players Association. That said, Emma Hayes has expressed her interest in personally visiting the historic venue, which was inaugurated in March 2024 as the first stadium specifically built for a women’s team.
“The investment that Angie and Chris Long have made in their club and this venue is massively impressive, important for the future of the women’s game in the USA and deserves to be rewarded with a match like this,” said Hayes, hoping to witness an “amazing atmosphere”, even though the CPKC Stadium is a smaller venue, compared to where the USWNT usually plays, yet, the English boss feels crucial to see the team play there.
Either way, this is quite a surprise from Hayes, who kept her promise of scheduling a match against a European side. Then again, more than the game, the focus remains on bidding an emotional yet crucial farewell to Alex Morgan and Alyssa Naeher!
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