Age just a number for Hayes as LaBonta makes USWNT history in win over ChinaShareThirty-two-year-old midfielder Lo'eau LaBonta made history when she came off the bench for the United States in their 3-0 win over China.Emma Hayes declared age just a number after making Lo'eau LaBonta the oldest debutant in United States history on Saturday, in a 3-0 friendly win over China.At 32 years and 74 days, LaBonta became the oldest player to make her maiden USWNT appearance when she came on as a 70th-minute substitute at Allianz Field in Minnesota.Hayes' team were well on their way to victory by that point, having built their 3-0 lead inside 54 minutes.Catarina Macario pounced on a loose ball to flick home a 28th-minute opener, then she turned provider seven minutes later by teeing up Sam Coffey to make it 2-0.Chelsea's Macario has now contributed to at least one goal in eight of her last nine international starts, scoring eight goals and assisting five in that span.Lindsey Heaps' header put the game beyond China early in the second half. Her 13 headed goals for the USWNT are the joint-second most by any player since the start of 2015, behind Carli Lloyd on 21 and level with Alex Morgan.Meanwhile, Manchester United's Phallon Tullis-Joyce became just the third goalkeeper to start her first two games for the USWNT and keep clean sheets in both matches, after Mary Harvey and Briana Scurry.But it was LaBonta who earned lofty praise from Hayes after the game, having captained the Kansas City Current to the top of the NWSL standings after 10 games of the season. "I know that a lot has been made about [LaBonta's age], but again, I watch the league," Hayes said. "I watch every game, and she was a player who didn't give up on herself, and she also made sure her performances remained high, even when she didn't get the shout for the national team. I think that should serve as a great reminder to everyone."I think her maturity... you could see that was there. I think her experience around the camp has been really helpful, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of her."In her own post-game interview with TBS, the midfielder said an international debut was vindication for all her efforts at club level."You have to have a short-term memory, whether it's wins or losses," LaBonta said. "And when there's a loss, you let it sink in, but you learn from it, and you move on. "That's what I've done with every obstacle in my life. You know me, I'm always joking around in the locker room, and I try and do everything with a smile, but I'm out here grinding, and I think eventually Momma Em called me in and said let's go."Hayes' side face Jamaica in another international friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis on Tuesday, with further matches against the Republic of Ireland and Canada to come in late June and early July.Age just a number for Hayes as LaBonta makes USWNT history in win over ChinaThirty-two-year-old midfielder Lo'eau LaBonta made history when she came off the bench for the United States in their 3-0 win over China.Emma Hayes declared age just a number after making Lo'eau LaBonta the oldest debutant in United States history on Saturday, in a 3-0 friendly win over China.At 32 years and 74 days, LaBonta became the oldest player to make her maiden USWNT appearance when she came on as a 70th-minute substitute at Allianz Field in Minnesota.Hayes' team were well on their way to victory by that point, having built their 3-0 lead inside 54 minutes.Catarina Macario pounced on a loose ball to flick home a 28th-minute opener, then she turned provider seven minutes later by teeing up Sam Coffey to make it 2-0.Chelsea's Macario has now contributed to at least one goal in eight of her last nine international starts, scoring eight goals and assisting five in that span.Lindsey Heaps' header put the game beyond China early in the second half. Her 13 headed goals for the USWNT are the joint-second most by any player since the start of 2015, behind Carli Lloyd on 21 and level with Alex Morgan.Meanwhile, Manchester United's Phallon Tullis-Joyce became just the third goalkeeper to start her first two games for the USWNT and keep clean sheets in both matches, after Mary Harvey and Briana Scurry.But it was LaBonta who earned lofty praise from Hayes after the game, having captained the Kansas City Current to the top of the NWSL standings after 10 games of the season. "I know that a lot has been made about [LaBonta's age], but again, I watch the league," Hayes said. "I watch every game, and she was a player who didn't give up on herself, and she also made sure her performances remained high, even when she didn't get the shout for the national team. I think that should serve as a great reminder to everyone."I think her maturity... you could see that was there. I think her experience around the camp has been really helpful, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of her."In her own post-game interview with TBS, the midfielder said an international debut was vindication for all her efforts at club level."You have to have a short-term memory, whether it's wins or losses," LaBonta said. "And when there's a loss, you let it sink in, but you learn from it, and you move on. "That's what I've done with every obstacle in my life. You know me, I'm always joking around in the locker room, and I try and do everything with a smile, but I'm out here grinding, and I think eventually Momma Em called me in and said let's go."Hayes' side face Jamaica in another international friendly at Energizer Park in St. Louis on Tuesday, with further matches against the Republic of Ireland and Canada to come in late June and early July.