The U.S. women’s national team (USWNT) may currently be without a handful of stars from last summer’s gold medal-winning squad, but Megan Rapinoe believes the ongoing transition is ideal for continuing their legacy.

Head coach Emma Hayes is utilizing this post-Olympics phase to broaden the player pool. Currently, only ten players from the Olympic roster will participate in friendlies against Brazil, one of whom is the prominent trio known as ’triple espresso’–Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Wilson.

“We witnessed their performance last summer winning the gold medal,” Rapinoe shared in an exclusive interview on CBS Sports Golazo Network’s Morning Footy. “Emma swiftly organized the team, and having that depth is crucial during long tournaments.”

Rapinoe emphasized that it’s imperative to harness the young talent of the squad, acknowledging that while star players will return, the depth of the bench will play a crucial role in future successes.

The USWNT will face Brazil on Saturday and again on Tuesday, fostering an exciting future for women’s soccer.