USWNT vs Portugal, October 2025 Friendly: Preview, Time, and How to Watch
The USWNT return to the field tonight in Pennsylvania to take on Portugal. The night will feature a tribute to Alex Morgan, celebrating her incredibly successful legacy in her national uniform. Amongst several admiring tributes, coach Emma Hayes spoke glowingly of the former star. “I love this tradition when we honor our players in retirement, and I know the fans will be coming out not just to support us but absolutely to acknowledge what a wonderful career she had. She’s got so many telling moments that were difference-making moments in her career, and the impact she’s had on this team is immeasurable.”
It will also be an attempt to avenge one of the most frustrating matches that Morgan and others ever endured at a World Cup, the last group stage game of the 2023 tournament that ended in a 0-0 draw. This marked the first time Portugal had ever stolen a point from the US in 11 matches since 1994. Portugal have yet to score a single goal against the home side in that entire span of time. Will tonight be different, or will the USWNT continue to dominate?
The US has absolutely incredible depth to boast of, even with the entirety of the Triple Espresso, the last Olympics’ devastating trio of forwards in the form of Sophia Wilson, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman once again unavailable to coach Hayes. There are lineup choices to make from back to front. Phallon Tullis-Joyce remains favored to command the goal, but the backline makeup in this match should be telling about where the Spirit’s McKeown falls in the pecking order along with rivals Emily Sonnett, Emily Sams, and Jordyn Bugg. Sam Coffey seems destined to start in the midfield, but a jaw dropping array of talents vie for honors. Hayes has shown a preference for a three woman setup in the middle of the pitch, but those remaining two spots will not house all of Lindsey Heaps, Rose Lavelle, Lo’eau Labonta, and the emerging monster talents of Claire Hutton and Lily Yohannes. Hutton especially looked liked the perfect complement to Coffey’s game, so Hayes will be tested with fitting together an effective engine without damaging the dressing room. Up top, veteran Cat Macario, who has enjoyed a much needed run of form after enduring long term injuries, is most likely to lead the frontline. A cadre of vibrant young talents eager to contribute from the wings. It’s bound to be an intriguing night from the moment the first eleven is announced.
Will be sure to post the starting lineup in the comments when it becomes available. Enjoy!
How to Watch
USA vs. Portugal
Advertised Kick-off Time: 7:00pm Eastern, 4:00pm Pacific
Venue: Subaru Park, Chester, PA
Available TV: TNT (English), truTV (English)
Available streaming: Max (English), Peacock (Spanish), FuboTV (Free Trial)
Let’s see if this lineup image posts
Hayes decides to back Heaps from the start of this game, but I can’t help but think that’s not wanting to alienate a strong locker room personality. The other midfield pieces available are more effective.
Um, that was fast.
Lavelle probably would have been called offside with any VAR activity, but this promises to be a romp.
27th minute, the US have struggled a bit to find the intensity they need to get the second goal- maybe found it too easy at first, playing a bit down to their opponent
Cooper got beaned in the face with a forearm, seems like she’ll be good to continue after a break
I definitely don’t think Heaps is up to the level of this team.
There’s no pass she can make that Lily wouldn’t do blindfolded. She has no understanding with Coffey, when Hutton or Labonta would. She wants to be positioned high, while not having the mobility to get to balls going forward or backward. Easily bypassed with passing.
Portugal scores their first ever goal against the states on a corner after a ragged play.
1-1
KC holds its breath as Michelle Cooper gets treatment. Finally up, but that was an incredibly cynical ankle hack job with the studs when the ball was gone.
At halftime, the commentators are praising Portugal, but I actually think that this is a focused by unremarkable team. The midfield is completely disjointed, and that’s Heaps’ inability to contribute 💯.
I think my comments could just be “Heaps, ugh” repeated every 40 seconds or so till she’s subbed out. So, hope that happens.
My brain unbidden started playing “Every Little Thing She Does is Bullshit” instead of “Magic.”
Guess who I’m thinking of?
Portugal take the lead after a mad scramble of subs off yet another corner.
To have Coffey, Hutton, and Labonta all available to play and failing to play any two of them together at the same time shows a baffling level of role evaluation by Hayes.
Genuinely astounded by how poorly Hayes handled her midfield decisions. There were a few three woman combinations to choose from that would have been stable and effective, and she eschewed all of them.
TV announcers were terrible. They spent final five minutes BSing about what wonderful skills and potential Alyssa Thompson has without focusing on USA trying to even up the match.