U.S. women’s national team coach Vlatko Andonovski reveals that Alyssa Thompson 'is here to stay'.

Alyssa played just four minutes in a friendly against Portugal last November, coming on as a late substitute in the USWNT’s 2-0 victory. But USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski noticed something special in Thompson, and he’s been impressed with her ever since.

“Alyssa Thompson is here to stay,” Andonovski said of the 23-year-old forward. Thompson made her Boston debut in 2017, but she only played in two games before being traded to the Portland Thorns. She made nine appearances for the Thorns in 2018, scoring one goal.

Thompson was not included on the USWNT’s roster for the 2019 World Cup, but she made her case for a spot on the team with her play in the NWSL. She scored 12 goals and added four assists for the Thorns in 2019, helping them win the NWSL Championship.

Andonovski called Thompson up to the USWNT for the first time in October 2019, and she made her debut against Portugal. She didn’t see much action in her first USWNT camp, but Andonovski said she made a good impression.

“I thought Alyssa did really well,” Andonovski said. “She integrated herself really well within the team, and I think she did everything that we asked her to do on the field. She worked really hard.”

Thompson scored her first USWNT goal in a friendly against Colombia on February 10, 2021. She came on as a late substitute and scored the USWNT’s sixth goal in a 6-0 victory. Andonovski said he was happy for Thompson, but he wasn’t surprised by her goal.

“Alyssa is a quality player,” Andonovski said. “She works hard, she’s got a good nose for the goal, and I’m happy that she scored.”

Thompson will have a chance to build on her USWNT debut when the USWNT takes on England in the SheBelieves Cup on February 18. The USWNT will also play Japan and Brazil in the tournament.