Lynn Biyendolo has been waiting for this moment, possibly her entire career. As she donned the captain’s armband for the U.S. women’s national team for the first time, Biyendolo led her teammates onto the field, embodying her role as a calming influence.
With 81 international caps, Biyendolo’s experience was nearly twice that of the rest of the starting lineup. Among them, Sam Meza and Izzy Rodriguez were making their debuts for the U.S. The next most experienced player after Biyendolo was Yazmeen Ryan, who has only 11 appearances.
“It means everything,” Biyendolo expressed in the broadcast before the match began. “I didn’t think I would ever find myself in this position, but it is truly an honor. I aim to lead this team well and bring energy and organization to a young squad.”
After the game, she echoed similar sentiments, remarking that she’s “gonna remember this day forever.”
Biyendolo’s nine-year journey with the USWNT has yielded both an Olympic gold and bronze medal. However, at 32, she has largely occupied the role of a reserve player, renowned for her appreciation of opportunities. Openly reflecting on the heartbreak of being omitted from the 2019 World Cup roster, she later served as an alternate for the Tokyo Olympics, a slot that expanded due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former U.S. and North Carolina Courage teammate Sam Mewis summed up Biyendolo’s journey best when she congratulated her before the game, stating, “Gave me goosebumps to hear @lynnraenie talk about captaining the USWNT tonight,” Mewis shared on social media. “What an incredible honor in a player’s career to reach this milestone—Lynn has faced it all to be here now. I’m so proud to call her my friend.”
Despite the uncertainties surrounding her career, Biyendolo consistently provides a reliable and effective presence on the field, fully aware of her role, particularly as a substitute.
“She consistently does it. If you talk to her about it, she’ll tell you she’s very skilled in that area,” Hayes stated in June after she scored twice against Jamaica. “Her contributions to the team’s success should not be underestimated.”
Biyendolo’s long journey and unwavering determination made her captaincy debut special on Sunday. It was further highlighted by her scoring the team’s opening goal in the 11th minute, marking her 13th goal as a starter for the USWNT and her 25th overall.
Notably, the assist came from Emma Sears, a rising talent whose trajectory has mirrored Biyendolo’s in not always being straightforward. Sears has quickly emerged as a vital player on the team’s front line.
Shortly after, Biyendolo almost added another goal, but it was Izzy Rodriguez who ultimately scored, becoming the 23rd player in USWNT history to find the net in her first international match.
Biyendolo also belongs to this exclusive club; she netted her first international goal just 49 seconds into her debut in 2016. At that time, it set the record for the fastest debut goal in team history until it was broken shortly after by Kealia Ohai (now Watt).
Yazmeen Ryan joined Rodriguez in the ranks of those scoring their first international goals, adding a third for the USWNT in the 66th minute. Later introduced in the game, Alyssa Thompson scored again, making it two goals in two matches for her in this international window, bringing the score to 4-0 for the U.S.
For players like Rodriguez and Ryan, Biyendolo’s story of resilience serves as an invaluable lesson. Her veteran status is the result of years of dedication and is far from taken for granted.
“You wake up one day and realize, ‘Oh, I’m the veteran now,’” Biyendolo mentioned during a press session last week. “I feel that’s what has happened to me. With so many talented new players on this team, there are lessons I’ve learned from veterans in the past, and I hope to share some wisdom and experience with these younger players and that it resonates.”
“Anytime you find yourself in a veteran position, it’s a sign that you’ve been around for a while,” she added. “Putting on the crest is always an honor. Understanding that I’ve been here long enough to be recognized as a veteran is something I only dreamed about in my youth.”
This victory marked the USWNT’s 600th win in history.
Image Source: Lynn Biyendolo @ Instagram
