Ashley Sanchez's position shift fuels USWNT hopes after NWSL success
CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA — Ashley Sanchez's previous stint with the USWNT was fraught with challenges, culminating in a World Cup experience where she did not see any playing time. Under coach Vlatko Andonovski during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Sanchez struggled to find her footing, often playing in an undefined role that left her underutilized and frustrated. In the lead-up to the tournament, her performance was lackluster, with only one full 90-minute match in the last 13 games, and she frequently found herself substituted early, unable to showcase her talents effectively.
At just 24 years old, Sanchez was still in the early stages of her career, yet she had not established a clear position within the national team. While she thrived as an attacking midfielder for the Washington Spirit, her role with the USWNT often saw her pushed into a deeper position, attempting to fill the void left by the retired Julie Ertz. This tactical misalignment resulted in Sanchez being caught in a limbo, struggling defensively and failing to make an impact in the attacking third.
Fast forward to the present, and Sanchez's return to the USWNT is marked by a significant transformation. Now playing for the North Carolina Courage, she has embraced a new role as a winger, a change that has coincided with a remarkable season where she matched the NWSL single-season goal-scoring record with 20 goals. This resurgence can be attributed to the tactical shift implemented by Courage head coach Mak Lind, who recognized Sanchez's potential on the wing. "As soon as my coach was watching our games, he thought that I should be on the wing with my style of play," Sanchez explained during a recent USWNT camp.
The position change has unlocked Sanchez's abilities, allowing her to utilize her dribbling skills and take on defenders in one-on-one situations. Her newfound freedom has led to an impressive scoring streak, including a brace in the season opener against Louisville and five goals in her first six matches. Sanchez's previous total of 19 league goals over five seasons pales in comparison to her current form.
Adapting to national team expectations
Despite her offensive prowess, Sanchez's return to the national team is not without its challenges. USWNT head coach Emma Hayes has emphasized the importance of defensive contributions, a facet of the game that Sanchez must improve to earn her place on the field. "I think there's an ease which she can settle into the group, but she's not trying to prove either; she knows she has to earn that in here," Hayes noted. Sanchez's role at the Courage has allowed her to focus on attacking without the burden of defensive duties, but with the national team, she must adapt to a more balanced approach.
What the Scoreboard Won't Tell You
Sanchez's initial appearances with the USWNT have been promising, but she must demonstrate her ability to contribute defensively. In her first game back against Spain, she played 24 minutes, completing seven of nine passes and making four touches in the opposition penalty area, yet she did not attempt a dribble, which is typically her strongest asset. As she vies for a starting position, particularly with Alyssa Thompson currently occupying the left wing, Sanchez is focused on proving her worth to the coaching staff.
"It's been amazing, it's been really exciting for me, and I'm definitely happy to be here," Sanchez expressed, reflecting on her return to the national team. As she continues to adapt to her new role and improve her defensive skills, the pressure is on for Sanchez to exorcise the demons of her past and solidify her place in the USWNT lineup. With three games remaining in the NWSL regular season, she is just one goal away from breaking the single-season scoring record, a feat that could further bolster her case for a prominent role on the national stage.
