Lily Yohannes joins USWNT over Netherlands for football.
The Early Holiday Gift for the USWNT: Lily Yohannes’ Commitment
The future looks bright for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) as 17-year-old Lily Yohannes chose to represent the United States over the Netherlands. This decision marks a significant milestone in the Emma Hayes era of USWNT, following a productive period with the team just prior to their gold medal Olympic run. Announcing her choice on social media, Yohannes expressed gratitude towards both the U.S. and Dutch Football Federations for their support as she navigated this important decision.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the United States and Dutch Football Federations for their unwavering support and patient guidance as I made my decision regarding my international future,” she wrote. “I have decided to commit to represent my country, the United States. The U.S. is my homeland, my birthplace, and where my extended family resides.”
Getting to Know Lily Yohannes
Lily Yohannes isn’t just a prospect; her path in football is already quite impressive. Signed by Dutch club AFC Ajax at the tender age of 15, her footballing journey took a significant turn when her family moved to the Netherlands when she was ten. She began training with Ajax at 13 and quickly made a name for herself. At just 16 years old, she set a record by becoming the youngest player to start a UEFA Women’s Champions League match, also marking her status as the youngest American to achieve this feat.
Currently, Yohannes has made her mark in six games with Ajax, scoring two goals and providing one assist. Despite her eligibility to represent either the U.S. or the Netherlands, she had recently applied for Dutch citizenship, which limited her immediate options with Dutch head coach Andries Jonker confirming that she wouldn’t be available for the October matches. However, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes has displayed patience and understanding throughout the process.
Impact on the USWNT Squad
Yohannes was recently called into USWNT training camps for June friendlies ahead of the Paris Olympics. This upcoming competition is pivotal, and selecting various young player options, including Yohannes, allows for evaluations leading to the final Olympic roster. Her debut came impressively, with Yohannes netting her first international goal against South Korea just 15 minutes into her appearance.
Her role as a passing, defensive midfielder is essential in a time when the USWNT midfield is undergoing significant changes, especially following the retirements of seasoned players like Julie Ertz and Sam Mewis. Veterans like Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle will need to adjust their playing minutes. Could Yohannes slide into the critical No. 8 role and ease the transition for the team?
Emerging talent Sam Coffey has captured attention as a deep-lying defensive No. 6, complementing Horan and Lavelle, while several players, including Emily Sonnett, Korbin Albert, and Catarina Macario, are also vying for positions. With Yohannes officially committed, the depth and versatility of the squad continue to grow stronger.
Future Matches and Opportunities
As we look ahead, the USWNT is set to close the year with two compelling friendlies in Europe. They’ll kick off against England on November 30 and wrap up against the Netherlands on December 3. These matches present a prime opportunity for Yohannes, who is already playing in Europe and can contribute significantly to the squad’s dynamics.
The upcoming fixtures will not only serve as tests but will also help in establishing team cohesion as they prepare for the 2027-28 international cycle. With an exciting roster that now includes Yohannes, fans can anticipate watching how she integrates into a team that has both tradition and a promising evolution ahead.
For more information on international football, check out [FIFA’s official website](https://www.fifa.com).
