By OkayGoal 
The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) faithful can breathe a collective sigh of relief. After six and a half months away from the game due to an ankle injury, Rose Lavelle has returned to the USWNT! After much time away, it was a memorable first game back for Rose, who played for the national team in her hometown of Cincinnati, scoring against Ireland and securing a 4-0 win.
Her comeback had both U.S. fans and USWNT Coach Emma Hayes thrilled.
“If this is where Rose comes from, then I like this place,” Hayes said in Cincinnati.
Where She’s Been
Rose Lavelle burst onto the international scene at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting in six (out of seven) games and scoring three goals, earning the Bronze Ball for her performance as the tournament’s third-best player. She was also ranked the sixth-best player in the world by the Best FIFA Football Awards in 2019. She quickly became known for her ability to glide past defenders, create space in tight areas, and create scoring chances.
Following the World Cup, Lavelle continued to be a consistent force for the USWNT, helping them secure an Olympic Gold Medal in 2024 and a Bronze Medal in 2021, and playing a crucial role in their journey to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
But recently, Rose was sidelined for several months after an ankle injury required her to have surgery in January 2025. She missed early USWNT training camps and had fans asking, “Where in the world is Rose Lavelle?” Her period of absence highlighted just how much the national team relies on her skillset.
The Missing Link in Midfield
The USWNT, under new head coach Emma Hayes, is in a period of evolution, blending seasoned veterans like Lavelle and Naomi Girma with exciting young talent, like Alyssa Thompson and Sam Meza. While this transition offers immense promise, it has also brought moments where the midfield has lacked its usual fluidity and cutting edge. Growing pains, if you will. But this is where Rose Lavelle becomes indispensable.
She is known for her control, her ability to take on defenders one-on-one, and her dribbling ability.
Without Lavelle, the USWNT midfield, at times, can feel a touch more predictable, relying more on direct play or wide attacks. Her presence adds a spark that can break down even the most disciplined defenses. She excels at creating space for her teammates, and her ability to thread passes through congested areas is world-class.
Her Role in Today’s USWNT
As the USWNT looks ahead to major tournaments, Rose Lavelle’s role in the midfield will become even more important. She not only brings skill in the midfield, but also a sense of veteran experience to the team. As one of only two players from the 2019 World Cup-winning squad who started in the recent Ireland game (the other being Emily Sonnett), she provides a link between generations as Emma Hayes nurtures existing top talent and develops newer, young talent just emerging on the scene.
Her resurgence is a huge boost for a USWNT navigating a new era. With Rose Lavelle pulling the strings in the midfield, the USWNT’s attack gains a huge advantage. The maestro is back, and the future of the USWNT looks brighter for it.
Image via Getty Images
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