A USA women’s national soccer team absent three of its biggest stars — Sophia Wilson, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman — will have to contend with the People’s Republic of China in an international friendly soccer match on Saturday, May 31 (5/31/2025) at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Fans can watch the match via a free trial to DirecTV or a subscription to Sling.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Women’s international friendly
Who: USA vs. China
When: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Start time: 5:30 p.m. ET
Where: Allianz Field, Saint Paul, Minnesota
TV: TBS, Universo
Channel finder: DirecTV, Verizon Fios, Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, Optimum
Live stream: DirecTV (free trial), Sling (half off first month), Hulu + Live TV, Spanish-language only on Peacock, fuboTV Latino (free trial)
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Match preview: USA vs. China
The U.S. Women’s National Team kick off a pair of international friendlies that promise to mix fresh faces with familiar firepower. Under the leadership of new head coach Emma Hayes, the Olympic champions will take on China on May 31 at Allianz Field in St. Paul, followed by a showdown with Jamaica on June 3 in St. Louis.
It’s a new-look roster this time around, as Hayes begins shaping her vision for the team. Absent are the “Triple Espresso” trio—Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson are sidelined due to pregnancy, while Trinity Rodman continues her recovery from injury.
But the headlines aren’t just about who’s missing. The squad sees the return of defensive anchor Naomi Girma and the long-awaited senior debut opportunity for Kansas City’s Lo’eau LaBonta. If the 32-year-old midfielder sees the pitch, she’ll become the oldest debutant in USWNT history—a well-earned moment, according to Hayes. “She’s been consistent in everything she does,” the coach told the AP.
There are plenty of young names to watch as well, with 17 players coming from the NWSL and seven from European clubs. Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello also earns her first call-up, while stars like Catarina Macario, Alyssa Thompson, and Crystal Dunn are expected to bring spark to the lineup.
Hayes emphasized the importance of squad depth, noting the contrasting styles of China and Jamaica will test the team’s tactical adaptability.
Two matches. One evolving team. Plenty of storylines. Let the Emma Hayes era officially begin.
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Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft for this story, based on data provided to Syracuse.com. It was reviewed and edited by Syracuse.com.
