Glenn Coleman
Jun 05, 2024 - 04:45

Dream debut 16-year-old USWNT substitute Lily Yohannes achieves reality

16-year-old Lily Yohannes scores her first goal in her USWNT debut match under coach Emma Hayes, impressing teammates and fans alike.

St. Paul, Minnesota - Emma Hayes made a striking observation about Lily Yohannes when they met in person at the United States women's national team camp. Although Hayes had seen Yohannes play before, they had never met face to face. Interestingly, Hayes had recently coached against Yohannes when Chelsea faced Yohannes' club Ajax in the Champions League in March. Yohannes, who is the youngest player ever to start a UEFA Champions League match, started the game but received a yellow card that prevented her from playing in the second meeting.

Fast forward 11 weeks, and 16-year-old Yohannes made her USWNT debut under Hayes and scored her first goal in one night. She entered Tuesday night's match against South Korea in the 72nd minute and scored in the 82nd minute, securing a 3-0 victory.

Hayes was impressed by Yohannes' performance, noting that she didn't look like a typical 16-year-old. She expressed her admiration for Yohannes and how she had been pushing for her inclusion in the squad. Yohannes, who came on for Korbin Albert, appeared confident right away, showcasing her skills in the midfield and scoring a goal with a calm touch.

Yohannes attributed her success to the guidance she received from Hayes and the coaching staff. Despite her young age, Yohannes displayed maturity on the field and celebrated her goal with enthusiasm. Her teammates joined in the celebration, highlighting the supportive environment within the team.

Yohannes, who is eligible to play for both the U.S. and Dutch national teams, has already made a name for herself at Ajax. Her teammates praised her maturity and talent, with many expressing excitement about her future in the sport. Hayes commended Yohannes' skills and confidence, noting her growth during her time with the national team.

Overall, Yohannes' debut was a memorable moment for her and her teammates. With her impressive performance and positive attitude, she has undoubtedly made a mark on the USWNT. As she continues to grow and develop as a player, her future in the sport looks bright.