Emma Hayes revealed that her decision to play Rose Lavelle during the U.S. women’s national team’s friendly against Ireland was somewhat out of the ordinary. Given the enthusiastic chants from Lavelle’s hometown fans in Cincinnati, the coach decided to let her participate late in the match, which resulted in a comfortable 4-0 victory for the team.
Hayes praised Lavelle, highlighting her unique qualities in the world of soccer. “She deserves her flowers, because she’s unique in the world game,” Hayes stated during her post-game press conference, emphasizing the rarity of players with Lavelle’s abilities.
After undergoing ankle surgery, Lavelle had only recently returned to action, missing the first half of 2025. Her comeback was impactful, as she scored a goal and provided an assist in the earlier friendly against Ireland on Thursday. Despite the comeback, Hayes was cautious about Lavelle’s minutes on the field, aiming to manage her playing time carefully. “There had been a planned program for Rose,” she explained, noting that expectations needed to align with her recovery process.
However, as Lavelle remained on the bench late in the game, the crowd’s chants of “WE WANT ROSE. WE WANT ROSE” rang loud in TQL Stadium. Creating an opportunity to satisfy the fans while still prioritizing player welfare, Hayes allowed Lavelle to make a cameo appearance. “I knew I was going to get pressure from the crowd, and I welcomed it,” she remarked. “But for five minutes, it’s a nice cameo.”
Lavelle expressed her gratitude and emotional connection to the hometown atmosphere. “I think the fans are amazing,” she said. “I love every time I have the opportunity to come home. I think this is the best atmosphere in the world and they showed that today.”
The event highlighted the strong bond between Lavelle and her local supporters, illustrating both the fan dedication and the community spirit surrounding women’s soccer. As the USWNT prepares for their upcoming match against Canada, Lavelle’s presence and the adoration from her hometown may serve as motivation for the team moving forward.