Lily Yohannes picks USWNT over Netherlands: What Ajax teen’s decision means for Emma Hayes’ squad

Ajax teenager Lily Yohannes has committed to represent the U.S. women’s national team at international level. GO DEEPER At 16, USWNT midfielder Lily Yohannes is right on time ‘Yohannes’ decision comes at the perfect time’ Analysis by Stephanie Yang Yohannes’ declaration for the USWNT felt a bit like an inevitability after her debut for the United States against South Korea. While friendlies do not cap-tie players, Yohannes did not appear to be a part of the Netherlands’ plans this year, with head coach Andries Jonker saying in late October that he was unable to invite her into camp, presumably due to eligibility reasons. All the same, Hayes kept any discussion of Yohannes close to her chest, saying on an October 17 call, “There has been communication post-Olympics between Lily and us at the Federation, so I’m always optimistic, but I don’t like to pressure anybody in this situation.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lily Yohannes Now that Yohannes has made her decision, it’s the perfect time for her to make herself available to Hayes, who has been on a tour of the U.S. to observe players at NWSL clubs and most recently gave seven players their first caps in one international window.