INGLEWOOD, Calif. In a spirited display of talent and determination, goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made an impressive debut for the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) during a recent match against Brazil, where she not only played a pivotal role but also secured a clean sheet with six vital saves. Reflecting on her debut, the 28-year-old goalkeeper remarked with a smile, "My toughest test of the day? The first whistle," showcasing the nerves that often accompany a first-time appearance on such a significant stage.

Currently, the USWNT finds itself grappling with an unprecedented uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeper position. For the first time in decades, the squad lacks a clearly defined number one, a position that has historically been a source of strength for the team. This uncertainty has been amplified by the retirement of two-time World Cup champion and 2024 Olympic gold medalist Alyssa Naeher, who hung up her gloves at the age of 36 last year. Since Naeher's departure, head coach Emma Hayes has embarked on what could be best described as an open audition process for the starting goalkeeper role, a search that has spanned over the past six months.

Tullis-Joyce's performance against Brazil has certainly placed her firmly in the running for the starting position. The Manchester United goalkeeper has been observing the competition from the sidelines but now stands as one of the top contenders to fill the void left by Naeher. As the USWNT navigates this transition, the competition has heated up among an evolving pool of goalkeepers.

One of the primary competitors for the role, Jane Campbell, 30, had seemingly emerged as a frontrunner in recent months, but she did not feature in either match against Brazil during this training window. Meanwhile, Mandy McGlynn made her international debut in goal last October, adding another layer of complexity to the battle for the number one spot. Alongside these three goalkeepers, uncapped training goalkeeper Angelina Anderson joined the April training camp, bringing the combined experience of the group to just 12 caps, a testament to the relative inexperience among potential starters.

As it stands, Casey Murphy, with 20 caps at the age of 28, boasts the most experience among the available goalkeepers. However, her absence from the team's recent call-ups has led to speculation about her future within the squad, suggesting that Hayes may be favoring younger talents in her evaluation process.

Hayes has made it clear that she intends to provide ample opportunities for her goalkeepers during the two-game series against Brazil. She entrusted Tullis-Joyce with starting duties in the first match, and followed up by giving McGlynn the nod in the rematch, marking significant moments in the young season for the USWNT. Looking ahead, Hayes anticipates having a clearer understanding of her starting goalkeeper by July, after seeing her team compete against Brazil, China, and the Republic of Ireland, with an additional matchup against Canada on the horizon. This timeline is critical, as it allows any emerging player to refine their skills in preparation for the 2027 Women's World Cup.

Reflecting on the challenges of determining a number one goalkeeper, Hayes acknowledged the importance of time and opportunity. If you think about this, prior to when even Alyssa made the No. 1 [job] her own, it takes a period of time to be able to solidify that, she stated. And I think it's fair to say we've got a lot of really good quality goalkeepers. The situation echoes the past when Naeher stepped up to fill the shoes of legendary goalkeeper Hope Solo, who garnered immense accolades, including a World Cup and two Olympic gold medals. Naeher faced her own pressure-filled scrutiny before proving her worth during the 2019 World Cup, a campaign that ultimately silenced doubts about her capabilities.

Indeed, the transition between goalkeepers has a storied history within the USWNT. Solo herself took over for Briana Scurry, another World Cup winner, and while each transition has presented its own set of challenges, the current landscape reveals a unique depth of potential paired with a striking lack of experience in high-pressure situations. Tullis-Joyce, Campbell, and McGlynn are now vying for the pivotal role, with their performances being scrutinized closely as they aim to make a name for themselves in the national team.

Despite their inexperience, Hayes has shown confidence in her young players, including 17-year-old midfielder phenom Lily Yohannes, whom she has started to include in critical match situations. Following Tullis-Joyce's debut, Hayes praised her for looking "authoritative and commanding," despite acknowledging that her tendency to play the ball long was an area for improvement. Its her debut, and her club team frequently plays that way, Hayes noted, pointing to the need for adaptability in their playing style.

As the search for a permanent goalkeeper continues, it is evident that whoever is eventually chosen for the role will need to demonstrate not just shot-stopping ability, but also the confidence and skill to contribute to the team's possession play from deeper areas on the field. Hayes has emphasized the importance of being composed on the ball, highlighting that all goalkeepers not in the current camp are aware of the aspects they must work on to fit into her vision for the team.

As the 2025 NWSL season unfolds, Murphy, who plays for the North Carolina Courage, is arguably the most strategically suited for the possession-oriented style Hayes envisions. Meanwhile, Campbell, who plays for the Houston Dash, and McGlynn, who represents Utah Royals, are also adapting under new coaches with similar philosophies.

The recent match against Brazil highlighted the ongoing search for stability between the posts, as McGlynn faced challenges that may have compounded the uncertainty surrounding the starting position. Despite registering a rare goalkeeper assist in the NWSL, she and her team have occasionally struggled with maintaining composure in high-pressure situations, leading to costly turnovers. Following the loss to Brazil, McGlynn candidly admitted that she felt she was forcing it during the first half, a sentiment that underscored the need for growth and adaptation within the squad.

In light of these developments, the pressing question remains: Who will emerge as the next USWNT number one goalkeeper? Hayes acknowledged the competitive nature of the recent camp, noting that both Tullis-Joyce and McGlynn had the chance to showcase their skills against formidable opponents. As the journey continues, the selected goalkeeper will undoubtedly face heightened scrutiny, as the expectations of World Cup titles and individual accolades like the Golden Glove are the benchmarks for success within this storied program.