Emma Hayes took a risk in starting Sam Coffey against Australia on Wednesday. It became clear early on that it was not going to pay off.
The U.S. women’s national team coach made just one change — an injury-forced swap of Emily Sonnett for Tierna Davidson — from the lineup that started each of the team’s first two Olympic games.
The USWNT won both games, advancing to the quarterfinals ahead of Wednesday’s group stage finale against Australia.
It meant Hayes could have rested some of her players, notably Trinity Rodman and Coffey, who came into the game one yellow card away from a suspension.
His decision to start Coffey was not wise after just four minutes against the Matildas, as the midfielder was shown a yellow card after standing on Katrina Gorry’s leg as he launched into a tackle.
Coffey also received a yellow card in Sunday’s 4-1 win over Germany. That means the Portland Thorns star will be suspended for the team’s quarterfinal with two yellow cards in the group stage.
Her absence could be a blow to a USWNT team that relies on her as a defensive midfielder.
In place of Coffey, Hayes could opt to start Korbin Albert as a substitute. Sonnett could also be an option to play in defensive midfield if Davidson is recovered in time for the quarter-final.
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