In the midst of their preparations for a highly anticipated friendly match against England, the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) took a moment to pause and connect with one another over a traditional Thanksgiving feast in London. The holiday, which holds deep meaning for Americans as a time to practice gratitude and reflect, presented a unique opportunity for head coach Emma Hayes and her diverse roster to strengthen their bonds both on and off the pitch.
For Hayes, a London native, the chance to lead her team against her home country for the first time adds an extra layer of sentiment to the occasion. Recognizing the significance of this moment, Hayes and her staff have gone the extra mile to ensure that the Thanksgiving celebration serves as a catalyst for fostering a promising new era for the USWNT following their triumphant gold medal run in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
A Feast Fit for Champions
At the heart of any Thanksgiving gathering lies the food, and the USWNT’s feast was no exception. Chef Brandon Medley, in collaboration with Hayes, a program director, and a dietician, crafted a mouthwatering menu that included turkey, au jus, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, artisanal bread, American and British-style stuffing, and a decadent dessert spread.
For the players, the opportunity to indulge in their favorite holiday dishes while abroad was a welcome treat. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams, fresh off winning the NWSL championship and Defender of the Year award, shared her enthusiasm for the spread:
I’m a huge fan of deviled eggs. I don’t know if that’s a popular opinion or not, but I love deviled eggs. And then of course the turkey with the gravy and the sweet potato casserole. Those are my favorites.
– Emily Sams, USWNT defender
Meanwhile, Portland Thorns midfielder Sam Coffey, a two-time member of the NWSL’s Best XI, confessed her preference for the side dishes over the main attraction:
I like it, but I just think the sides are the main attraction, quite honestly. I’m a big sweet potato girl. Any side is what’s going to take up most of my plate.
– Sam Coffey, USWNT midfielder
Exploring London and Building Chemistry
Beyond the Thanksgiving meal, the trip to London presents a valuable opportunity for the USWNT to explore their surroundings and further develop their team chemistry. With a day off scheduled for Thursday, the players will have the chance to wander the city and soak in the local culture.
Arsenal fullback Emily Fox, who has some familiarity with the area, is set to act as a tour guide for her teammates. While plans have yet to be finalized, there are talks of visiting food markets and restaurants as the group makes the most of this distinctive training camp experience.
Preparing for a High-Stakes Clash
Despite the holiday festivities and sightseeing, the USWNT remains keenly focused on their upcoming match against England. The last time these two powerhouses met in 2022, England emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. The loss was part of a difficult period for the U.S., which also included a group stage draw against the Netherlands and a shocking round-of-16 exit in the 2023 World Cup.
The atmosphere at Wembley Stadium is expected to be electric, with reports indicating that over 80,000 tickets have been sold for the clash. As Hayes prepares to face off against her home country, the pressure is on for the USWNT to rise to the challenge and prove they are still a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
Building Bonds for Future Success
While the outcome of the match remains to be seen, the USWNT’s Thanksgiving celebration and team bonding experiences in London could play a crucial role in their long-term success. As Sams noted:
The chemistry and the bonding off the field translates so much on the field. It’s fun to just have a good group of girls together and be able to spend a holiday [together]. It’s really special and a unique experience.
– Emily Sams, USWNT defender
With the 2024 Olympics now behind them and the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, the USWNT’s ability to come together as a cohesive unit will be essential to their chances of reclaiming their spot at the pinnacle of women’s soccer. As Coffey eloquently put it:
To celebrate that day together and celebrate just gratitude at the end of the day, I think that’s what Thanksgiving always makes me think of. Just being grateful that we get to do what we love, with people we love, and in an amazing place. I’m sure this is going to be a Thanksgiving that I remember for a long time.
– Sam Coffey, USWNT midfielder
As the USWNT takes the field against England, they will carry with them not only the lessons learned from their Thanksgiving feast and team bonding experiences but also the unwavering support of a nation that eagerly awaits their triumphant return to the top of the women’s soccer world.
