da bet7: The 19-year-old forward stole the show during December camp, boosting her stock in a big way to close 2023
da lvbet: The U.S. women's national team's 2023 campaign has come to an end. It finishes, technically, as one without a defeat, although no one will ever remember it that way. It was a year defined by an early World Cup exit, a frustrating performance that will go down as one of the worst in USWNT history.
However, the second half of 2023 was also a year for hope and optimism. In the wake of that World Cup failure, a generational shift began as new faces – and a few older ones – joined the team on the rapid road to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The face of that new generation may just end up being Jaedyn Shaw. All signs, so far, suggest as much, as the teenager simply can't stop making things happen whenever she's on the field.
Shaw will leave this camp, one that featured 3-0 and 2-1 wins over China, as the big winner. Her stock has been boosted in a big way as she continues to answer any challenges thrown at her. Is she ready for what's next? We'll find out soon, but these two games showed more than enough to think she may be.
Next summer's tournament will be here before you know it, even if there's plenty to figure out by then. Incoming coach Emma Hayes will have been watching from afar as she looks to piece together what this team will look like when she does arrive.
The final games of 2023 showed her plenty, for sure, and GOAL has you covered with the winners and losers of the USWNT's two victories…
GettyWINNER: Jaedyn Shaw
The big winner of the camp, when all was said and done. Nineteen-year-old Shaw continues to answer every question that is asked of her, and at this point, there's one big one left: is she ready for the Olympics?
So far, the answer looks like being 'yes'. It's early days, of course, but Shaw has made an impact in each of her four appearances to date. She has two goals of her own, the latest being the winner in the second game this window. She also, essentially, has an assist, even if she won't be officially credited with one for Trinity Rodman's goal in the first China friendly.
The point is this: Shaw makes things happen. So, too, do the other attackers in the pool, though, which will make her push for a roster spot pretty tough. Still, it's quite clear that the sky is the limit for the San Diego Wave teenager, who seems to get better and better every time she steps on the field.
How good will she be by, say, next summer? The answer may just be good enough.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Aubrey Kingsbury
The USWNT goalkeeping position remains up for grabs. Unfortunately for Aubrey Kingsbury, though, it'll be tough to snag that position in a crowded race.
Starting just her second international game, despite being part of plenty of USWNT camps, Kingsbury didn't have much to do on Tuesday. China didn't attack all that often, and when they did, a defender such as Naomi Girma was generally there to sweep it up. China's one threatening moment, though, came from Kingsbury being a bit overeager and, maybe, just a bit too desperate to make a play.
It wasn't solely her fault, to be fair, but Kingsbury's decision to come out and claim a cross just before half-time ultimately ended in a goal for the visitors. She could have, and probably should have, been bailed out by a clearance, but it didn't happen.
Casey Murphy, five years younger and with 15 more caps, kept a clean sheet in her start on Saturday, while Jane Campbell didn't play, but is riding high after winning NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year. And of course, there's Alyssa Naeher, not in this camp, but certainly still available for one last go at age 36 next summer.
Kingsbury has always been a good back-up, and may very well remain in that role going forward. Still, margins are fine at this position, which means every little mistake could prove costly.
Getty ImagesWINNER: Casey Krueger and Midge Purce
It would be very easy for both Casey Krueger and Midge Purce to get lost in the USWNT shuffle. Both veterans were left off the World Cup roster, and it would be very easy for Hayes to pass them by and usher in a new generation ahead of them.
This camp, though, showed why that probably won't happen. Despite the emergence of young stars all over the field, both Krueger and Purce still have something to offer.
Krueger, a member of the 2020 Olympic team that won the Bronze Medal, was deployed in a right-wingback role, and was an absolute handful in the opener, giving China all sorts of problems on her side. The 33-year-old was among the best American players on the field in that match, as she helped tilt the result in the USWNT's favor.
Purce, meanwhile, brought her NWSL form straight to the USWNT. After winning MVP in the final for Gotham FC, Purce was also played in a right-back role, despite featuring primarily as an attacker for her club. With the 28-year-old at fullback, the USWNT looked pretty dynamic, as Purce's ability on the ball helped the U.S. create against China's low block.
There are plenty of veterans lurking at fullback, with players such as Kelly O'Hara, Sofia Huerta and Crystal Dunn joining Emily Fox in this player pool. Youngster Jenna Nighswonger also made her mark in this camp, showing why she too could be an answer at fullback.
Don't count out Krueger and Purce, though, as both looked like they're ready to push for a spot next summer.
Getty ImagesWINNER: Abby Dahlkemper
This camp must have felt so good for Abby Dahlkemper. After nearly two years away from the USWNT, the defender is back, and she may be back for good.
With her back injury behind her, Dahlkemper was back in the mix and tossed right back into the starting XI for the first China clash. Playing next to club teammate Girma, Dahlkemper looked like a player that hasn't missed a beat.
As things stand, the U.S. is looking for a permanent partner for Girma. There are several players in the mix and, after this camp, Dahlkemper has put her name forward. Will her San Diego Wave connection with Girma give her an advantage? We'll see, but it's safe to say the former captain will get more chances to prove herself after this long-awaited return.