USWNT Faces New Zealand in Final October Match

Kansas City, Mo. — The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) will conclude its October international window by facing New Zealand on Wednesday night at CPKC Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. CT.

After a mixed two-game series against Portugal, where the USWNT split the results, they look to finish strong. The first match ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat, followed by a 3-1 victory last Sunday.

USWNT head coach Emma Hayes has made significant changes to her lineup, opting for a younger and less experienced team. The Starting XI for the New Zealand match features three teenagers: Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, and Jordyn Bugg. This marks a continuing trend of youth on the squad as Hayes integrates new talent ahead of World Cup qualifiers next year.

Claudia Dickey will start in goal, marking her fourth cap. Other notable starters include captain Rose Lavelle, who has 115 caps and aims for her 27th career goal, and Catarina Macario, who scored her first goal for the USWNT earlier this year.

The USWNT leads the all-time series against New Zealand with 19 wins, one loss, and one draw. Their last encounter was in January 2023, with the U.S. winning both matches convincingly.

“It’s crucial for these young players to leave their mark as we head into a new cycle leading towards the World Cup,” Hayes said. “We must focus on applying the lessons we learned from Portugal and continue growing as a team,” she added.

Fans can watch the match live on TNT and truTV in English, and Universo in Spanish, or listen via Westwood One Sports. The USWNT looks to close out this camp on a high note and build momentum for their next matches.