When the USWNT took the field for a pre-Olympics friendly against South Korea, all eyes were on the squad's veterans as they looked to rebound from a disappointing early exit at the 2023 World Cup.
Alex Morgan took the field as a starter after missing the team's previous clash with South Korea due to a minor injury. Rose Lavelle, 29, also started and earned her 100th career cap. Crystal Dunn and Sophia Smith provided goals for the team, showcasing its well-rounded productivity.
Even so, the USWNT got a surprise contribution from one of its youngest players: 16-year-old Lily Yohannes.
MORE: USWNT shuts out South Korea for second win of Emma Hayes era
Yohannes came onto the field as a substitute in the 72nd minute, replacing Korbin Albert and earning her first career cap. Yohannes provided the USWNT a spark and managed to net a goal in the 82nd minute to put a bow on the team's 3-0 victory.
A DREAM DEBUT FOR LILY!!!!#USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/RWlOYpLSjj
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 5, 2024
Yohannes also became the third-youngest goal scorer in USWNT history at 16 years and 358 days old. Only Kristine Lilly and Tiffany Roberts were younger when they scored their first goals for their country.
"It’s a dream come true, really," Yohannes told TNT Sports after the game, per The Athletic. "I played the scenario out in my head I don’t know how many times before. The support from my teammates all running up to me just made it that much more special."
Indeed, Yohannes flashed in her first-ever USWNT appearance. She figures to earn plenty more caps as she progresses and may even have a shot to become a role player with the squad early in her career.
Here's what to know about Yohannes as she seeks to establish herself as the USWNT's next superstar.
MORE: Everything to know bout The Soccer Tournament (TST) head of 2024 kick-off
Who is Lily Yohannes?
Yohannes is a 16-year-old who was born in Virginia and eventually moved to the Netherlands. There, she played her way into Ajax's academy system and became a productive starter for the squad.
This season, Yohannes played in 20 matches while scoring five goals and recording four assists. She helped lead Ajax to the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals where Chelsea defeated them.
That said, Yohannes' performance left a lasting impression on Chelsea's coach Emma Hayes, who was named the USWNT's replacement for Vlatko Andonovski in November 2023. That opened the door for Hayes to trust Yohannes early in her tenure with the national team, especially as the 16-year-old endeared herself to her teammates.
"She is like the most mature 16-year-old I’ve ever met, " Rose Lavelle said when asked about playing with Yohannes, per Yahoo Sports. "I feel like she is more mature than me, honestly. She has been so impressive."
Crystal Dunn echoed Lavelle's sentiment, saying she loved Yohannes and that her 16-year-old teammate is "so cool." Dunn also acknowledged the age gap between them — Dunn is 31 — has been a unique for her to navigate.
"I literally feel like if she wasn’t so young I’d be like best friends with her," Dunn said. "I try not to encroach and get to crazy around her, like you are so ancient. I can’t hang out with you."
Hayes also praised Yohannes' maturity as one of the reasons she was able to find success early.
"She's a natural footballer," Hayes said, per Fox Sports. "She's confident in her abilities. I think playing in Europe has accelerated her learning. Plays for a big club in Ajax, plus she's been playing in Champions League, so she's had exposures that many American 16-year-olds have not. And it shows.
"There's a maturity to it, even at her tender age. And she manages it. It's her second camp. There's already been a step up from the first to the second, and like I said, I want to celebrate her first cap. It's a really special moment for her and her family."
Hayes also credited the USWNT's veteran players for creating a welcoming environment that has helped ease Yohannes' transition from Ajax star to a potential star on the international stage.
“I’ve seen that, I’ve experienced that all week, to be honest with you,” Hayes said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen an environment so embracing, so caring about everyone in it.
"She doesn’t look like a 16-year-old," Hayes added. "She knows what I think about her. I’ve really pushed and wanted her in the squad."
Hayes' decision proved to be a good one. Yohannes started her international career well and should only continue to improve as her development continues
MORE: Kevin De Bruyne considering move to Saudi Arabia
How old is Lily Yohannes?
As mentioned, Yohannes is just 16 years old. She is the eighth-youngest player to take the field for the USWNT. It's the first time since 2001 a 16-year-old has taken the field for the squad, Amy Steadman and Kristen Weiss, both 16, played for the United States against Italy in 2001.
Yohannes is already ahead of the curve in her development, as noted by her 23-year-old teammate Sophia Smith.
"Lily is a baller. From the day she came into camp, she was just making passes that you don’t see a 16-year-old make," Smith said, per The Athletic. "You don’t even see veteran players make these passes. She’s confident, she’s composed. We knew she was going to get into this game hopefully, and she came in and didn’t miss a beat.
"She looked like a natural out there, and then to get a goal on top of that is amazing and so well deserved."
Soon enough, we'll see if the good vibes surrounding Yohannes continue. As it stands, both her Team USA teammates and coaching staff seem to have faith in her.
That could be enough to get Yohannes onto what is certainly going to be a competitive Olympic Team.
