USWNT Abroad: What will it take for Naomi Girma to get her chance at Chelsea?

The bigger story surrounding Girma right now is her lack of minutes. Three weekends into the WSL season, the U.S. defender is still waiting for her first league appearance.

Girma was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Birmingham City on Saturday. Her opportunities have instead come in the Champions League, where she played all 180 minutes of Chelsea’s two qualifying matches against Real Sociedad and scored in the 5-2 first-leg win.

Those outings show she can contribute, but her absence from league action leaves questions about her place in Chelsea’s plans. The Blues have yet to see the best of Girma consistently, and her limited role is worth watching from a USWNT perspective, too. She's central to the U.S. defense, and with the World Cup approaching next summer, regular minutes would be a welcome step for one of the team's most important players.

This time last year, Thompson was on the brink of being one of the most prolific young goal scorers for the Blues. This year, it's a little bit different.

Thompson has yet to score, but has been effective and arguably more complete as a player in her showings for Chelsea this season. Over the weekend, Thompson pieced together a strong 87-minute performance for Chelsea. Although she didn't find the back of the net, she had plenty of chances and was directly involved in the first effort that would put Chelsea up 1-0 in the eighth minute.

Thompson forced a save from Birmingham City goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley from close range, and that rebound became the opening goal for teammate Lexi Potter. Thompson continued to influence the attack, later having another shot blocked and setting up Ellie Carpenter for a chance, while also delivering the cross for Sjoeke Nüsken’s first-half header off the bar.

Chelsea would go on to beat Birmingham City 2-0, and although Thompson didn't get added to the stat sheet, she was a major contributor to the Blues' attack and domination on the possession front (72 percent).

For the USWNT, that continued club consistency is particularly important, even if that means Thompson is contributing differently.

Tullis-Joyce was one of Manchester United’s standout performers in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, making six saves as United faced 17 shots. Her biggest stops denied Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord, helping keep her side ahead until Arsenal’s stoppage-time equalizer.

With seven USWNT appearances and five clean sheets, she has established herself in Emma Hayes’ goalkeeper pool. Performances like this against strong opposition can only strengthen her case for a regular starting role.

Her distribution remains the biggest area for improvement. United’s direct style plays to her strengths, but it offers fewer opportunities to develop the composure and passing range needed to serve as an extra defender when building from the back.

Coffey came off the bench in the 62nd minute of Manchester City’s 4-2 comeback win over Liverpool, replacing Laura Blindkilde Brown as City looked to regain control after falling behind 2-1.

The U.S. midfielder played the final 28 minutes, and while she didn't record a goal or an assist, she brought fresh energy to the midfield as City pushed on and scored twice late.

There's something to be said for being the steady, reliable player a coach can turn to when a match needs settling. Making an impact doesn't always mean getting on the scoresheet. Sometimes, it's about helping a team find its rhythm and giving those around you the platform to push forward.

Coffey is showing she can offer that for City. The next step is earning a larger role.

She has played just 71 minutes across City's first three WSL matches, coming off the bench in each as she works her way into a crowded midfield. From a USWNT perspective, the question is how that role develops—and whether these contributions can help her make the case for a starting spot.