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Phallon Tullis-JoyceGetty Images
Celia Balf

'We've got a lot of really good quality goalkeepers' - Time is on Emma Hayes' side as she determines Alyssa Naeher's successor for USWNT

Ahead the USWNT's pair of friendlies against Brazil, Hayes still looking to find Naeher's replacement in goal

Emma Hayes hasn't shied away from questions about the goalkeeper position for the USWNT, especially after longtime No. 1 Alyssa Naeher retired last year. That said, Hayes is in no rush to find an immediate starter, and has been playing different keepers in each game since Naeher's last match.

At the SheBelieves Cup, Houston Dash's Jane Campbell played in net for the USWNT's games against Colombia and Japan. Utah Royals' Mandy McGlynn earned the cap against Australia in the same tournament.

On Tuesday, Hayes named the roster for the upcoming April friendlies, and three goalkeepers were called up: Campbell, McGlynn and Manchester United's Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Angel City's Angelina Anderson was also named as a training player to the roster.

When the USWNT face Brazil on April 5 and 8, who will earn the start? Will we see Tullis-Joyce?

INDIVISA takes a look.

  • Emma Hayes USWNTGetty Images

    Preaching patience in finding a starter

    "If you think about this, prior to when even Alyssa made the No. 1 her own, it takes a period of time to be able to solidify that," Hayes said this week. "And I think it's fair to say we've got a lot of really good quality goalkeepers who will emerge from that as the No. 1."

    Naeher wasn't the starting goalkeeper right away. In fact, for many years she was behind Hope Solo and Briana Scurry on the depth chart. Now, without a major tournament until the 2027 World Cup, Hayes has some time to deepen the keeper pool and help some of the less experienced goalies grow.

    "They have to take their chances when they get them," she said. This is a performance-related business, and each and every opportunity they get, they have to make the most of it, because, of course, that will impact my decision-making as we progress. This camp, there will be changes in goal again."

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  • Phallon Tullis-JoyceGetty Images

    What to expect from Phallon Tullis-Joyce?

    "We all know Phallon's qualities," Hayes said when asked if the 28-year-old will play against Brazil. "I spoke with her about this at last camp. She is very introverted, very quiet, and she's got to build the relationships with the players in and around her, because you have to build trust and build connections. And sometimes that's hard when you're coming in."

    Tullis-Joyce had her first USWNT call-up for a set of friendlies last November, but wasn't at camp in January due to club commitments.

    "I know everybody from the outside just sees what they're doing at a club level and think you know [that it will] instantly correlate to what you do internationally," Hayes said. "But I don't. And I don't for a couple of reasons. You're playing in a position where you know you're having to communicate in a much different way as a goalkeeper. And I've really encouraged Phallon to find what ways to build those relationships when she's in camp.

    "Yes, she's in contention to play in one of these games, but I think she still needs a little bit more time to do those things."

  • Mandy McGlynnGetty Images

    Changes are coming

    "As we progress and this camp, there will be changes in goal," Hayes said.

    While no one can say just what those changes will be, two games against Brazil will be the perfect opportunity for all three players to gain more experience. Campbell has the most USWNT appearances of the three, with eight caps.

    In true Hayes fashion, camp will obviously integrate Anderson into the mix as well, which will make for great partner sessions in preparation for the friendlies.