By Lesley Ryder
Nearly 16 years after Ella Masar’s last match with the USWNT, she’s back in camp—this time, as an assistant coach.
The Urbana, IL native was drafted by Hayes to the Chicago Red Stars for the WPS Inaugural season. From Chicago, her career took to Europe. She appeared in the Champions League while playing for Paris Saint-Germain, FC Rosengard, and VfL Wolfsburg before her retirement in 2019.
“I think it’s a full-circle moment for me.” Masar said in a video for the Chicago Stars. “Having that moment, and having her also believe in me to come to that staff…it’s gonna be a lot of yes ma’am, uh-huh, I understand, and just try to take in everything I can because it’s the highest functioning environment that we have right now and just to be a part of it? You’re gonna learn something.”
Emma Hayes was glad to have the opportunity to make the call. “It's been great to see Ella again, having drafted her as a young player in Chicago, and experiencing you know how she's developing as a coach firsthand.” Hayes said in a pre-match presser “She’s got great energy to her and think she connects well with everybody, players and stuff alike”
Hayes has made a point to invite new coaches into USWNT camp. “I'm really invested in developing female coaches. I’ve made no secret of that. Probably aim in subsequent camps to give opportunities not just with the USWNT, but maybe with our U-23s too, because we want to create a support network and an opportunity to give people like Ella some good feedback about where they are in their journey and help that process.”
Stars head coach Lorne Donaldson was not surprised to see Masar rewarded with a call-up. “She’s a very, very good coach, a very detail oriented coach. She sees the game, you know, and she knows the game, and I think the players respect her. It's good for her and good for other people to see her in that light.”
Around the international grounds
- Julia Grosso scored a goal against Argentina at home in Vancouver. After the match Canada head coach Casey Stoney said “Julia’s a fantastic player, technically very good in the way she uses the ball. I’m pleased she finished her goal. We’re looking at where we can get the best out of her. So, throughout this year you might see her pop up in different positions.”
- Ludmila appeared for Brazil against the USWNT in Los Angeles and was absolutely robbed of a goal by the woodwork.
- Micayla Johnson scored four goals in 3 games as the USYNT team qualified for the U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco in October.
- Nadia Gomes joined Portugal’s roster against Spain. She did not feature for the team in either of their matches against Spain.
- Jameese Joseph was called up to the USWNT U-23 camp, and players trained in Carson, CA from March 31-April 7.