Naomi Girma, the USWNT’s undeniable top choice at center back, is out with a recurring calf injury, and the timing couldn’t be worse as the team prepares for two massive friendly matches against reigning World Cup champions Spain. This is a critical moment for the USWNT defense, and losing Girma right now, just when the real tests begin, is a gut punch no one needed.
The Defense Is About to Get Real
Let’s be real, the USWNT’s DNA has always been about that elite counter-attacking power, pulling focus on the players up near the opposition goal. That’s not changing. But the big question hanging over the squad as they face Spain is how this understaffed defense is gonna hold up. Spain isn’t just *any* team; they’re the reigning World Cup champs, and this is the stiffest test on the schedule since Emma Hayes took over after the 2024 Olympics. Since winning gold in Paris, the team has been kinda cruising defensively, right? They’ve only given up 15 goals in 34 games, averaging just seven shots against per match, with opponents only managing two shots on goal. That’s a solid record, but Spain is gonna reveal if that’s because our back line has truly locked it down or if they just haven’t been truly challenged yet.
Hayes Unleashes on Chelsea Over Girma’s Injury
The whole situation with Girma is just brutal. She rightfully took Becky Sauerbrunn’s spot at center back before the 2023 World Cup, and Emma Hayes even calls her the best defender she’s ever worked with. That’s HUGE praise! But this calf injury? It’s back, and it’s putting her on the sidelines when we need her most. Hayes wasn’t holding back on Tuesday, either, calling on Chelsea to reevaluate their practices. “This has happened too often and if we want her to be in a position to play games on a regular basis for club and country, I think we have to change some things,” Hayes said. She knows Girma’s devastated, saying, “She’s the last person who wants to be in this place, and she’s worked really hard to get herself back to a good level.” Hayes is working closely with Chelsea because, as she put it, “the player suffers.” We know Gotham FC’s Emily Sonnett has often stepped in, but losing Girma, especially with Hayes clearly frustrated about how this keeps happening, is a major headache for a defense that needs to prove its worth.
The USWNT faces Spain on October 10th at 2:30 p.m. ET on TBS, and then again on October 13th at 7 p.m. ET on TNT. This isn’t just about winning friendlies; it’s about seeing what this defense is really made of without its linchpin. Every eye is gonna be on that back line.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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