forbes.com
USWNT Calls Up Veteran and Young Players for Upcoming Friendlies
USWNT coach Emma Hayes called up 32-year-old midfielder Lo'eau LaBonta and 25-year-old goalkeeper Claudia Dickey for upcoming friendlies against China PR and Jamaica; LaBonta would be the oldest USWNT debutant ever if she plays, while Dickey competes to replace retired goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
- How does USWNT coach Emma Hayes's selection of both a veteran and young player for upcoming friendlies demonstrate her approach to team building?
- USWNT head coach Emma Hayes called up veteran midfielder Lo'eau LaBonta (32) and goalkeeper Claudia Dickey (25) for upcoming friendlies. LaBonta, if she plays, will be the oldest USWNT debutant at 32; Dickey is competing for the starting goalkeeper spot after Alyssa Naeher's retirement.
- What factors influenced the selection of Lo'eau LaBonta and Claudia Dickey, and what are their respective roles within the team's overall strategy?
- Hayes's selections highlight a strategy balancing experience with youth development. LaBonta's call-up rewards consistent NWSL performance, while Dickey's selection reflects her strong 2024 season. This approach aims to address immediate needs while building for the 2027 World Cup.
- What are the long-term implications of the USWNT's current goalkeeper situation, and how might Hayes's approach to player development address these concerns?
- The goalkeeper situation presents a long-term challenge for Hayes. Finding a reliable replacement for Naeher requires careful player development, potentially impacting roster decisions beyond the 2027 World Cup. Hayes aims for seamless goalkeeper transitions in future cycles.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a largely positive framing of both LaBonta and Dickey's call-ups, emphasizing their achievements and the coach's justification for their selection. The headlines and introduction highlight the age contrast and the coach's approach to equal opportunity, which predisposes the reader to view the decisions favorably. This positive framing could potentially overshadow any potential criticisms or counterarguments that might exist.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective, employing factual reporting and quotes from the coach. Words like "super player" and "deserving" express approval but are within the context of the coach's assessment. The article avoids loaded language and relies on statistical data to support claims about players' performances. There's no use of euphemisms or charged terminology.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the call-ups of LaBonta and Dickey, providing detailed accounts of their careers and performance. However, it omits discussion of other players considered for the team, potentially creating a skewed perspective on the selection process. The rationale behind excluding other goalkeepers besides Anderson is mentioned, but details about other players in contention for other positions are absent. This omission might limit the reader's understanding of the breadth of talent considered.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the call-up of Lo'eau LaBonta, a 32-year-old player, to the USWNT, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and challenging age-based biases in women's professional sports. This promotes gender equality by providing opportunities for women athletes regardless of age, countering potential age discrimination in the field. The inclusion of both younger and older players in the team also fosters a diverse and equitable environment.