Hayes doing ‘fantastic job tactically and mentally,’ Lloyd gushes

It’s still early in the Emma Hayes era, but Carli Lloyd clearly likes what she sees so far.

Hayes led the U.S. women’s national team to a 2-1 win over Australia on Wednesday, completing a perfect Olympic group stage that saw the team secure wins over Zambia, Germany and the Matildas by a combined score of 9-2.

It’s been a refreshing return to form for the USWNT, which struggled at the World Cup last summer en route to a program-worst last-16 elimination.

Hayes only took over as U.S. head coach in May, but has already stamped her authority on the team — particularly in a signature 4-1 win over world power Germany that was undoubtedly the team’s best major-tournament result since the 2019 World Cup.

Lloyd, who was part of that World Cup-winning side in addition to the 2015 champions, was full of praise for the team’s new boss in a post on X.

“It’s refreshing to see this group playing well! Emma doing a fantastic job tactically and mentally,” Lloyd said.

“Emma’s demeanor is calm and confident and that’s contagious. She believes in these players and they feel that. Players are confident and hungry again and no player is bigger than the team.”

The USWNT is now set for a major test in the quarterfinal, with Japan awaiting in a Saturday showdown in Paris.

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