The USWNT closed out the year with a 2–0 win over Italy, a result that helps clarify how the team performed throughout 2025 under Emma Hayes. The scoreline shows a group that took its chances well, protected its lead and kept the defensive consistency seen in recent matches, as this was the third straight game with no goals allowed by goalkeeper Claudia Dickey. The match also highlighted a number that shapes any evaluation of the cycle: twelve wins, three losses, a goal difference of 41 to 8 and forty-three players making their debuts, the highest total in almost twenty-five years.
A lead built with precision
The first dangerous moment came early, when Dickey sent a long ball to Macario in behind. The forward controlled cleanly, pushed forward and struck a shot that skimmed past the post. The play showed the type of space the United States intended to attack throughout the match. Hayes chose a more experienced lineup, and the midfield led by Lindsey Heaps alongside Lily Yohannes created passing lanes that kept the attack moving.
The opening goal came in the 20th minute on a simple, direct sequence. Yohannes found Macario free on the right, and the forward pushed ahead calmly before lifting the ball over the goalkeeper to score her eighth goal of the year and extend her personal run to three straight matches finding the net. Soon after, the team extended the lead with a play starting from the back. Alyssa Thompson accelerated down the right, combined passes and found Shaw inside the box. The forward cut inside and fired into the upper corner, making it 2–0 before halftime.
Few openings and missed chances that could’ve stretched the lead
Italy created only one real threat, when Alice Corelli found room near the top of the box and forced Dickey into a save at the right post. Beyond that, the USWNT managed the defensive zone well and still produced chances that could’ve increased the lead. Hutton struck the crossbar with a powerful shot, Heaps hit it again in the second half and Macario even put the ball in the net once more, but the goal was disallowed without much clarity from the officials.
With this win, the USWNT wrapped up the season with consistent numbers and now heads into January training camp in Southern California, which will include friendlies against Paraguay and another opponent still to be announced.