Jaedyn Shaw's call-up to the USWNT U-23 team does not degrade her talent

NJ/NY Gotham FC and the rest of the NWSL have one more game before they head out on the international break. 11 players were called up to their national teams, including the USWNT U-23 team. While calling up Jordynn Dudley and Teagan Wy to the younger team made sense, some might be puzzled by Jaedyn Shaw's inclusion on the U-23 team.

The Gotham FC player has been on fire as of late, scoring four goals in her last five matches. This includes a brace, which occurred during the win over Chicago Stars FC. In fact, she has scored her highest number of goals in her young career, scoring nine so far in the regular season.

Gotham FC's Jaedyn Shaw is with the USWNT U-23 team

So, why was Shaw omitted from the USWNT and sent to play with the USWNT U-23 team? Does Emma Hayes believe that she is not good enough to be part of the first team right now?

The answer is simply no. Right now, the Gotham FC player is just one of many who are playing extremely well. The USWNT head coach had to make a decision to ensure the best outcome for this international break when it comes to playing time.

Remember, Shaw was called up to the last window, but barely played in the two friendlies. She played more during the April window and also had an assist in one of the games. So, it is not like she had not been called up this year.

The concern, though, was that certain players would not play enough during the current window. As such, Hayes made the decision to have a few players play with the U-23 team. She told CBS Sports, "I want to prioritize the development of players, and I don't want less experienced players always sitting on the bench and playing few minutes. So, for Ally [Sentnor] and for Jaedyn, the decision was taken for them to go to the 23s."

Hayes also added that the two players are central to the USWNT plans. But for this window, other players who are playing well won out on making her roster. Meanwhile, the U-23 side will train with the main team, so Hayes will be able to watch Shaw and the other players on the younger side.

This shows that the head coach is trying to manage the roster by bringing in veterans and newer players, while also giving opportunities for players like the Gotham player, who has experience with the team, to still play during the break. Hayes is not saying that she is not talented enough or less talented, which means Shaw's call-up to the U-23 team is not terrible. Rather, it is a good thing.

Truthfully, it would not be shocking if Hayes continues to do this leading up to the final windows before the Women's World Cup. But one thing is certain, and that is that Shaw and other Gotham FC players are already in the mix for the final roster next summer.

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