Against this time are preparing friendly competitions on the basis of Europe. England On November 30 and The Netherlands On Dec. 3, the American roster will share not only the pitch, but also a celebratory meal for Americans at a time of year often associated with gratitude and an opportunity for reflection.
Which provides a unique background for head coach Emma Hayes and her players.
In what is already an emotional moment for Hayes, a native of London, to face her home country for the first time, she and her roster recognize that the trip has an opportunity to further enhance chemistry. Hoping to usher in a promising new era for the USWNT After a gold medal at the 2024 Summer OlympicsThe Thanksgiving holiday provides an opportunity for an eclectic family of players, staff and coaches to bond further.
But like any other family, we all know what everyone’s favorite part of the holiday is.
This is food.
With a view to making this a special event for the group, a Thanksgiving feast was held on Wednesday night. Here’s a tasty and partial sampling of what was served to the USWNT: Turkey, au jus, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, artisanal bread, American stuffing, British Stuffing (similar to American style but with breadcrumbs instead), a big dessert spread, and more.
During these camps, setting up a game plan for food is a collaborative process between Hayes, a program director, a nutritionist and USWNT chef Brandon Medley. According to the chef, the always involved Hayes knew he had to step it up for Wednesday’s occasion.
“This one, I think it was really important to her because I think she knew how big of a sacrifice it was for the players,” Medley told ESPN about leaving families behind on Thanksgiving. said about
“She was really keen to reach out to them. [the players] Was able to get myself … and some dishes. So he sent us about eight side dishes, and that was really his big thing. She was like, proteins are what they are, but I think people really resonate with the sides.”
before eating, Emily Sams — who recently won. NWSL championship and the Defender of the Year award — highlighted a particular favorite she was hoping to see in the Thanksgiving spread.
“I’m a huge fan of deviled eggs. I don’t know if it’s a popular opinion, but I love deviled eggs,” Samus, who plays for him, said. Orlando Pridetold ESPN. “And then of course turkey and sweet potato casserole with gravy. Those are my favorites.”
For the Portland Thorns Sam Coffey — a two-time member of the NWSL’s Best XI — the staple of the Thanksgiving feast isn’t exactly the center of his mind when it comes to dinner.
“I like it, but I just think the sides are the real attraction, quite honestly. I’m a big sweet potato girl,” the midfielder told ESPN of the turkey. Growing up appreciating the plates around the bird, she loves the “Koffee family staples” of sweet potatoes and marshmallows, as well as corn pudding and stuffing. “Any side that will take up most of my plate.”
As for desserts, Hayes recently had an unintentionally funny moment with American journalists when innocently talking about the British favourite.
“Rhubarb crumble, sticky toffee pudding, spotted duck — which is a pudding. Don’t say anything, it’s a pudding we have in England,” Koch said during a media availability last week.
A trip to London will offer more than just an opportunity to mix and match cuisines in a wide range of cuisines, and to play Cluedo, a British version of the board game Clue which Hayes has brought with him. On Thursday, the team has a set time to hang around and hang out. No formal outings will be scheduled by the team, but the coach, sticking to his regional roots, has recommended his neck of the woods.
“I’m a north Londoner, so I’ll always encourage you to come up north,” Hayes said at another media availability.
The area is just a short drive to the grounds. weaponThanks to another call-up for the fullback who has his own representative of the USWNT Emily Fox. With some local knowledge under his belt, the 26-year-old is set to act as a chaperone for a group that will make their way through London as tourists.
Planning is still under way, but there is talk of food markets and restaurants for players who would make the most of a separate training camp.
“It’s been a bit of a storm since we arrived, but we have the day off,” Coffey said of Thursday. “We have Foxy as our tour guide, so I’m hoping to see a little bit more. … It’s totally up to her; we’re just along for the ride.”
Don’t think it’s all just a vacation or a literal walk in the park.
The USWNT will soon face an England team that defeated them 2-1 in their last meeting in 2022. While the US will then face a disastrous Round of 16 exit at the 2023 World Cup, with a group stage draw against them. Against the Netherlands (who they will face next week), England reached the final of the tournament.
As for the visiting atmosphere, expect a raucous one in London. Reports Pointing to the more than 80,000 tickets sold for the Wembley Stadium clash that will see Hayes beat, ex Chelsea Coach, against England
Such high-pressure situations are situations in which the USWNT has traditionally adapted and thrived, although in recent years it has become increasingly clear that opposing national teams are capable of not only keeping pace, but four times Can also leave the World Cup behind. Winner and five-time Olympic gold medalist.
That said, strong bonds and connections can withstand these stresses, which is one of the goals when traveling abroad.
“The chemistry and the bonding off the field translates a lot on the field. It’s fun to have a good group of girls together and be able to have a vacation. [together]Samus said. “It’s a really special and unique experience.”
Discussing on-field training, Sams noted the complex process that Hayes brings to camps. Looking for small improvements that can improve quality and the way they perform – that extends to the people in the kitchen fueling the athletes.
“He’s not just a technical football coach,” Medley, the team’s chef, said of Hayes’ detail-oriented approach. “She really looks at every single area, how they impact the team, how they make the players feel.
“I’ve worked in sports for a few years. I’ve never seen a coach as intuitive as he is in every area.”
Those precise decisions are important, and when trying to engage and build bridges within a team, it can ultimately have a big impact. This could potentially lead to a big win against England and a statement result against the Netherlands. Further in the future, it could also bring back World Cup glory to the USWNT.
Or, at the very least, it could make for a very pleasant holiday meal in London.
“To celebrate that day together and just celebrate gratitude at the end of the day, I think that’s what Thanksgiving always makes me think about,” Coffey said.
“Just thankful that we get to do what we love, with people we love, and in an amazing place. We get to play a great competitor and challenge ourselves. , I think there’s a lot to be thankful for. … We’re just building this really beautiful, unique family that we have here.
“I’m sure this is going to be a Thanksgiving I remember for a long time.”