AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- The expectations surrounding the U.S. women's national team have long been stratospheric. Anytime a major tournament takes place, it's win or else. At the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, walking away with the trophy is the only acceptable outcome for the USWNT. Those expectations apply to coaches as well as players.
With the U.S. set to stay in New Zealand and Australia for -- it is hoped -- 40 days, a premium is placed on managing the accompanying stress. That means taking the brain and body away from soccer and focusing on something else, anything else, even for a few moments.