It is now just under a month until the action in Australia and New Zealand kicks off, and on Wednesday afternoon in one of the most unique ways, the USWNT dropped its team.
23 players. One goal.
After months of anticipation, and NWSL chaos, Vlatko Andonovski has named the USWNT roster that is going to represent the Stars and Stripes. The team made the announcement with the help of 25 celebrities via a social media post on Wednesday afternoon including President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
A few hours before the official roster dropped, a trio of NJ/NY Gotham FC players were introduced to the World Cup squad on the Today show. Six players that were included in the team that competed against the Republic of Ireland this past April will not be taking the trip to the southern hemisphere for various reasons. Injuries have forced out several of the sides' top players, similar to their competitors around the world.
Andonovski, without the luxury of captain Becky Sauerbrunn chose a side that is a good combination of youth and experience. Nine players on this year's squad have been through the pressure of a competition as large as the World Cup. 14, including four out of the six forwards, will be leaning on those veterans with this being their first go-round on the world stage. No team in this tournament will have more expectations than this group. A three-peat has never happened in either the men's or women's World Cup. With the expanded pool of 32 nations, these talented individuals will attempt to make history, something they are well accustomed to.
USWNT roster: Goalkeepers
Predicted starting goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher
Bench: Casey Murphy, Aubrey Kingsbury
Given what has transpired since the beginning of the NWSL season, there should be no surprise these three stop stoppers were selected. Aubrey Kingsbury has recently been left out of the team as the United States leaned more toward Kansas City Current goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, but the Kansas native has contributed to just four regular season games so far. The franchise has called upon 28-year-old Cassie Miller far more than Franch this season, meaning the spot was open for Kingsbury.
Alyssa Naeher may be on the team that has given up the most goals in the NWSL with 31, but little of that was her fault. The Connecticut native was sensational in 2019, saving a penalty in the semifinals, and pitching a clean sheet in all three of the United States' group stage matches. North Carolina Courage keeper Casey Murphy will feature as the team's No. 2 option as she continues her accession as one of the best in the American top-flight.
USWNT roster: Defenders
Predicted starting backline: Alana Cook, Naomi Girma, Emily Fox, Crystal Dunn
Bench: Sofia Huerta, Kelley O'Hara, Emily Sonnett
Compared to Andonovski's team in April which featured 10 defenders with the likes of Tierna Davidson, and Casey Krueger of the Chicago Red Stars, the World Cup team has seven. Examining this group of defenders, the biggest thing that jumps out is the lack of center backs. Alana Cook, and Naomi Girma are the only true center-backs on this team.
Emily Sonnett and Julie Ertz can play there, but both have played more of a No. 6 role with their respective club teams this season. Crystal Dunn, who has contributed in a massive way to the Portland Thorns' midfield will most likely move into one of the wing back positions alongside Emily Fox on the other flank. Sofia Huerta could be an X-factor off the bench drilling in crosses from the right-hand side, like she did in January. NJ/NY Gotham FC defender Kelley O'Hara will be one of three players on this team with three World Cups of experience. O'Hara's leadership, and toughness when she is on the pitch will without a doubt be a difference-maker for this side.
USWNT roster: Midfielders
Starting midfield three: Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Julie Ertz
Bench: Savannah DeMelo, Kristie Mewis, Ashley Sanchez, Andi Sullivan
The core that will make up the middle-third of the pitch for the United States is highlighted by three players with 85 or more caps for the national team and a player that has yet to feature internationally. Racing Louisville midfielder Savannah DeMelo becomes the first player since Shannon Boxx to be called into the national team without a cap under their belt. It wasn't like she didn't earn it. The USC product has been one of the biggest storylines of the NWSL season so far as one of just six players with seven or more goal contributions in the league. She is the perfect example of the rewards one may receive for showing out for your club team.
DeMelo will have plenty of players alongside her that have been through this journey before. Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle headline the midfield with Julie Ertz making it back into the squad months after joining Angel City FC. Washington Spirit midfielders Andi Sullivan, and Ashley Sanchez have both contributed to over 23 international matches, scoring three goals apiece. Kristie Mewis, a player that said on "Snacks" a few months ago that making this World Cup team would mean her career was worth it was introduced as a member of the team alongside two of her club teammates on one of the most well-recognized morning shows in the country.
USWNT roster: Forwards
Predicted forward line: Alex Morgan, Sophia Smith, Lynn Williams
Bench: Megan Rapinoe, Trinity Rodman, Alyssa Thompson
The forward team for the United States possesses three players 23 years or younger. Alyssa Thompson, the rookie standout for ACFC makes the team weeks after graduating for high school. The 18-year-old California native has been one of the most electric attacking players in the NWSL this season. Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Smith round out the youth of these six players. The Portland Thorns forward may be 22, but throughout the course of 2022, Smith was one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the world. The Colorado native had nine goals and one assist in 10 games last year.
The veteran core of Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe have their eyes on hoisting their third world title. Rapinoe, who left the match against the Current on June 10 has to be back on track to contribute in some way on the pitch if she made it on this team. San Diego Wave striker Morgan hopes she can begin the 2023 tournament just like 2019. The veteran converted five goals in the Group F opener against Thailand. Williams, the Gotham FC forward has returned this year from her hamstring injury like a house on fire. Even without Mallory Swanson, and Catarina Macario out of this squad, there are plenty of goals within these six stars.