Emma Hayes has a golden opportunity to grant Phallon Tullis-Joyce's ambitious wish
By Kian Long
Tonight, the USWNT gears up to face Japan in the second of their three games against the nation. Last time out, the USA were victorious over the same visitors, narrowly edging past thanks to goals from Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps. Tonight, though, it should be Phallon Tullis-Joyce who's given a shot in goal.
Claudia Dickey is the number one option in the goalkeeper position. It's understandable, considering the Seattle Reign star is the best option for Emme Hayes. However, that's not a disservice to Tullis-Joyce, as the Man United goalkeeper is capable of starting for most teams in the world.
Emma Hayes should grant Phallon Tullis-Joyce her longtime wish tonight
Whenever she can, Emma Hayes likes to give Phallon Tullis-Joyce a chance to impress for the USA. In fact, it wasn't long ago that she did, with Tullis-Joyce last keeping a clean sheet against Colombia in the SheBelieves Cup at the Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Tonight, that trend should continue. Tullis-Joyce has always made it clear that her ambition is to represent the USA on the international front. Just last year, the goalkeeper recognized that “We have some amazing goalkeepers right now for the U.S. Women’s National Team,” but stated “I'd be more than grateful to be given another opportunity.”
As the USWNT prepares for the return of the Women's World Cup in 2027 in Brazil, the more areas of the field that Emma Hayes can foster some healthy competition in, the better it will be for the Stars and Stripes.
The USWNT depth chart is very top-heavy. As it stands, Emma Hayes has plenty of options to pick from going forward, and that's not a bad thing. With a selection headache in offense, the goalkeeper selections make themselves. If fit, both Tullis-Joyce and Claudia Dickey will be making the trip to Brazil next summer. Whoever starts depends on form up until then.
Hopefully, tonight serves as another opportunity for Tullis-Joyce to make a name for herself in this USWNT. She is no stranger to playing alongside these teammates, and there are certainly pros to starting her over Dickey.
While Dickey is a better shot-stopper than Tullis-Joyce, starting Tullis-Joyce does allow better build-up play from the back. She is more composed with the ball at her feet than her counterpart, and that has to count for something in an Emma Hayes system.