US Women's National Soccer Team

Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe are among the veterans named in Jill Ellis' squad of 23 US women's national team players for the 2019 Women's World Cup in France.

The trio are included among 12 returning players from the 2015 World Cup as the USA look to defend their title and win the tournament for the fourth time.

The World Cup will run from June 7 to July 7, with the Americans opening their campaign against Thailand on June 11. They'll play Chile on June 16 and Sweden on June 20.

Here's Ellis' squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Adrianna Franch, Ashlyn Harris, Alyssa Naeher

Defenders: Abby Dahlkemper, Tierna Davidson, Crystal Dunn, Ali Krieger, Kelley O'Hara, Becky Sauerbrunn, Emily Sonnett

Midfielders: Morgan Brian, Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Allie Long, Samantha Mewis

Forwards: Tobin Heath, Carli Lloyd, Jessica McDonald, Alex Morgan, Christen Press, Mallory Pugh, Megan Rapinoe

💼 The Roster (U.S.) 💼#OneNationOneTeam #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/M3ks0G7mJ3

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) May 2, 2019

                      

The squad is packed with experience, with an average of 80 caps per player.

Eight players have represented the USWNT more than 100 times, including Lloyd with an astonishing 274 appearances for her country.

The 36-year-old is the only player in the squad who has previously played in three World Cups, though six players have been to two.

Aly Wagner, who played in the 2003 and 2007 tournaments, gave her insight into why Ellis was keen to name an experienced roster, per soccer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald:

This was, I think, the most powerful part of @alywagner's remarks: her view on why Jill Ellis took veterans over new players with the last spots on the World Cup roster. pic.twitter.com/T0QVUTQ5qa

— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) May 4, 2019

The team should have plenty of firepower, too, with Lloyd and Morgan having scored more than 100 international goals apiece.

The latter reached that tally in a 5-3 win against Australia in April:

💯 💯💯💯 💯💯💯
💯 💯 💯 💯 💯
💯 💯 💯 💯 💯
💯 💯 💯 💯 💯
💯 💯💯💯 💯💯💯
👑 @alexmorgan13 👑 pic.twitter.com/SujJsTUrMe

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 5, 2019

100 - Alex Morgan is the 17th female - and seventh #USWNT player - to score 100 goals in international play. Century. pic.twitter.com/7sbIfgCCNb

— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) April 5, 2019

That match was the United States' first after they finished behind England on home soil in the SheBelieves Cup.

The team have responded well since and warmed up for the World Cup with five consecutive friendly victories.

In that time, they've scored 22 goals and not conceded since the Australia clash, picking up 6-0, 3-0, 5-0 and 3-0 wins over Belgium, South Africa, New Zealand and Mexico, respectively.

The USA have never finished worse than third at a World Cup, and based on the strength of their squad and their excellent preparations for this year's tournament, they're unlikely to break that run.  

After an incredible playing career, former United States women's national team star Abby Wambach has been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Fellow Hall of Famer Julie Foudy personally announced the news to Wambach:

What a moment....and you knew it was bound to happen! @JulieFoudy just surprised @AbbyWambach to let her know she will be inducted in the National Soccer Hall of Fame in September.

Congratulations, Abby! We can’t wait to hear your #NSHOF19 speech! https://t.co/3OJTVlOQKA pic.twitter.com/lAKtOkXtTv

— National Soccer HOF (@soccerhof) May 25, 2019

The 38-year-old will be inducted on September 21.

Wambach is not only one of seven U.S. players with over 100 goals in her career, she is also the all-time leading scorer in women's international soccer with 184 goals, breaking Mia Hamm's previous mark of 158.

She appeared in 255 international matches, including four World Cups and two Summer Olympics. 

On the team level, the forward has helped the Americans thrive over the past couple of decades, including a World Cup title in 2015. The squad also won Olympic gold medals in each year with Wambach on the roster (2004 and 2012), although the team struggled to a fifth-place finish without her in 2016.

She was somehow even more impressive on an individual level, being named the USSF Women's Athlete of the Year six times and the FIFA World Women's Player of the Year once in 2012.

Her impact on and off the field was clear, as she won the ESPYs Icon Award in 2016.

Wambach now has one more honor on her resume with a deserved spot in the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

The United States women's national team continued to build momentum heading toward the World Cup, earning a 5-0 win over New Zealand in an international friendly.

Carli Lloyd scored two second-half goals for the U.S. in Thursday's victory at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, the second of three matches in the Send-Off Series. Tobin Heath also had a big impact with a goal and an assist, while Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis scored as well.

With five wins in a row dating back to March, the Americans are peaking at the right time.

It was a slow start on a 92-degree day, with New Zealand gaining the only shot for either team in the first 20 minutes; however, it ended up being the only shot from New Zealand all match compared to 25 from the United States, per ESPN.

The Americans showed increased urgency from there, gaining more scoring chances with an aggressive approach, and the U.S. broke the tie in the 35th minute when Heath scored on a tap-in:

that @mPinoe cross 🔥
that @TobinHeath finish 👌#SendOffSeries pic.twitter.com/mQ186D7fL4

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) May 17, 2019

Of course, most of the credit went to Megan Rapinoe for her incredible pass:

https://twitter.com/itsmeglinehan/status/1129185779555680258

Rapinoe...what a pass. God I love the #USWNT.

— Joseph Goodman, Sports Donk 🎟🍺 (@JoeGoodmanJr) May 17, 2019

Five minutes later, another great cross from Lindsey Horan led to Lavelle's goal before halftime:

we're sure of it. these two have that magical connection and we're here for it.@LindseyHoran ➡️ @roselavelle pic.twitter.com/AJ2ZWmsUqF

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) May 17, 2019

The second half featured several substitutes looking for eventual spots in the starting XI, including Lloyd, Mewis and Ali Krieger.

Lloyd, 36, took advantage with an easy goal in the 61st minute, just 44 seconds after coming on. Keeping with the theme, it came off a pretty assist from Heath.

Subs in, scores seconds later. @CarliLloyd with her fourth goal in three consecutive games 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6WtKFxnEZw

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) May 17, 2019

With another score in the 83rd minute, she now has five goals in her last three matches. Mewis added a fifth for good measure one minute later.

The Americans remained aggressive throughout, ensuring the Football Ferns had few opportunities in the final third. The team's depth was on full display during what became a rout against a quality opponent also heading to France next month:

https://twitter.com/LeanderAlphabet/status/1129200039765696512

     

What's Next?

The United States—the defending champs from 2015—will face Mexico on May 26 in its final friendly before the World Cup begins June 7. New Zealand will play three more friendlies before heading to France: Mexico on May 22, England on June 1 and Wales on June 4.

The United States women's national team hosts New Zealand at St. Louis' Busch Stadium on Thursday for the penultimate game of the send-off series ahead of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.

A 3-0 win over South Africa on Sunday showcased the quality and strength in depth in the reigning champions' ranks.

𝒞𝒶𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒷𝑒𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓋𝑒 there's only 29 days until our World Cup journey starts? Until then, let these highlights be your #MondayMotivation 💁‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/K7wMeUls3M

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) May 13, 2019

Coach Jill Ellis has ample talent to call on but will likely use this game to find a winning formula in attack ahead of events in France in the summer.

             

Date: Thursday, May 16

Time: 8 p.m. ET/1 a.m. BST (Friday)

TV Info: ESPN 2

Live Stream: WatchESPN

The need for more goals from those in the final third is obvious after Ellis' team needed a brace from North Carolina Courage defensive midfielder Sam Mewis to beat South Africa.

Although fellow midfielder Carli Lloyd also chipped in with a goal, the U.S. may struggle to get their passing game going between the lines on what looks like a tricky surface in Missouri:

Not exactly the smoothest surface when you put a soccer field down on a baseball infield. Busch Stadium for USWNT vs. New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/XR9JOEo67U

— Graham Hays (@grahamhays) May 15, 2019

Even so, Ellis will be anxious to see her strikers find the net against New Zealand. The plan appears to be to lean on veteran experience, with 33-year-old Megan Rapinoe again likely to be a key figure.

Rapinoe endorsed the tactical changes Ellis has made in recent years during an interview with FIFA, (h/t Philip O'Connor of Reuters, Yahoo Sport UK):

"Traditionally for most of my career with the national team we played a 4-4-2 and only in the last couple of years we changed to more of a 4-3-3. So I'm an attacker, a winger and striker, basically. I think putting me higher on the field and alleviating some of those defensive duties, it puts me closer to the goal."

Rapinoe's ability to link with Orlando Pride star Alex Morgan will define the U.S. forward line this summer. So will the performances of Christen Press, who needs to use this World Cup to showcase her full talents.

All three will view this match as an opportunity to get back among the goals.

Supply shouldn't be a problem considering Tobin Heath's vision and technique can unlock any defence. Meanwhile, Lloyd's well-timed runs can take markers away from Morgan and Co.

Heath and Lloyd combined brilliantly against South Africa:

🐐 status. With 108 goals, @CarliLloyd passes Michelle Akers for fourth all-time #USWNT scorer! 👏 pic.twitter.com/RR0jWpUrPn

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) May 12, 2019

Keeping this many match-winners quiet won't be easy for New Zealand, even though the Kiwis beat Norway 1-0 in April. It was a fourth win from seven for a team with its own threat in attack thanks to strikers Rosie White and Sarah Gregorius.

Even so, it's likely the U.S. will stand firm defensively and offer enough going forward to run out comfortable winners.

The United States' women's national team will continue their preparations for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on Sunday, when they host Belgium in Los Angeles.

The Red Flames narrowly missed out on a ticket to the World Cup and should provide the Stars and Stripes with a solid test. The hosts are still clear favourites, however, courtesy of their superior depth and the all-around talent in the squad.

ESPN 2 will broadcast the match, which is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET. Live-stream options can be found here.

   

Belgium's women's national team may not have scaled the heights of their male counterparts yet, but the Red Flames have steadily improved in the past few years and have traveled to the United States high on confidence.

They are unbeaten in 2019, with their most recent loss coming all the way back in April of last year. They nearly qualified for the World Cup for the first time, losing out to Switzerland on away goals in the play-offs.

The squad includes several strong international players, most notably Tessa Wullaert, who leads the current selection in scoring and plays her club football for Manchester City.

The USWNT have already played a friendly during this international break, a spectacular 5-3 win against Australia. It was a back-and-forth affair that included several great goals, including this effort from Mallory Pugh that put the final score on the board:

Pugh Pugh Pugh x Two.@MalPugh puts this one to bed! pic.twitter.com/sWPEBvd98Y

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 5, 2019

Manager Jill Ellis spoke to the press after the contest:

This game had it all. Jill Ellis breaks down the #USWNT’s thrilling 5-3 win: https://t.co/ytnczx6mj6

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 5, 2019

For Sunday's hosts, preparations for the 2019 World Cup have not gone as planned. They have won just three of their six outings this year and have been hamstrung by the lack of a clear top choice in goal.

The Matildas took full advantage, putting three goals past Alyssa Naeher. The stopper was hardly aided by her defence, which usually plays at a high level but made several key errors against Australia.

Fortunately for the Stars and Stripes, Belgium's attack should be less potent than that of Australia. The Matildas came into their friendly against the United States with a perfect record in 2019 and have been regulars at the World Cup for years.

The Belgians shouldn't be underestimated, but they don't carry the same scoring threat as the Matildas. As long as the Stars and Stripes can keep Wullaert at bay, they should be able to record a third clean sheet of the year.

Prediction: USA 3-0 Belgium

The United States women's national team finished 2018 with 10 victories on the bounce.

Five games into 2019, Jill Ellis' side have two wins, two draws and a defeat on the record.

With the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup looming, they have tested themselves against some of the best in the world this year.

The defeat came against France in January, before 1-0 wins against Spain and Brazil came either side of back-to-back draws with Japan and England in the SheBelieves Cup.

Things don't get any easier on Thursday when the U.S. take on Australia at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver in a friendly.

                

Date: Thursday, April 4

Time: 9 p.m. ET, 2 a.m. BST (Friday)

TV Info: Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

                 

The Matildas are the sixth-ranked side in the world and have proved tough opponents for the USWNT recently.

On their way to winning the 2015 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. beat Australia 3-1 in Group D.

In 2017, though, the Aussies got their revenge with a 1-0 win at the Tournament of Nations before the two sides shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw at the same tournament a year later.

It would be a surprise if Thursday's meeting between the two sides wasn't another close encounter.

Australia are in fine form, having won four games on the bounce, most recently downing Argentina 3-0 to capture the inaugural Cup of Nations on March 6.

Every player on the pitch will be looking to impress as they aim to be included in the respective squads that will travel to France for the World Cup.

As the top-ranked team in the world and defending champions, the USWNT are the favourites for that tournament.

However, it is becoming increasingly clear they will face major challenges from the likes of France, England, Germany and Japan. And Ante Milicic's Australia side will want to lay down a marker in Colorado by beating the USWNT in their own back yard.

The U.S. have five more matches to play before the World Cup, with the Australia match being followed by games against Belgium, South Africa, New Zealand and Mexico:

5 games left before the #FIFAWWC.

04/04 🇺🇸 v 🇦🇺 📍 Denver
04/07 🇺🇸 v 🇧🇪 📍 Los Angeles
05/12 🇺🇸 v 🇿🇦 📍 Bay Area
05/16 🇺🇸 v 🇳🇿 📍 St. Louis
05/26 🇺🇸 v 🇲🇽 📍 New Jersey pic.twitter.com/W37Tqju9Se

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) March 30, 2019

Thursday could be a landmark day for Megan Rapinoe if she gets on the field, as it will mark her 150th cap at the age of 33.

Meanwhile, Alex Morgan, 29, is just one goal away from reaching her century at senior international level.  

Twenty-eight members of the United States women's national soccer team filed a lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation on Friday for "institutionalized gender discrimination."

Andrew Das of the New York Times reported the legal filing, which includes USWNT superstars Carli Lloyd, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, is a sudden escalation of a long-term battle between the reigning world champions and U.S. Soccer over pay equity and overall treatment compared to the men's team.

The Americans will defend their FIFA Women's World Cup title in France in June after emerging victorious in the 2015 tournament.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5__1PwHRpAM

In the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles' United States District Court, players are seeking back pay and damages for any female player who's represented the United States at the senior national level since Feb. 4, 2015, which could result in compensation amounting to millions of dollars if they win the case, per Das.

The New York Times report noted the players' allegations reflected many made in a 2016 complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Although the case was never resolved, the EEOC granted a right-to-sue letter to allow for a federal court filing.

After the 2016 filing, Morgan explained the players' stance during an appearance on NBC's Today, according to Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel.

"Every single day we sacrifice just as much as the men. We work just as much," she said. "We endure just as much physically and emotionally. Our fans really do appreciate us every day for that. We saw that with the high of [winning the World Cup in 2015]. We're really asking, and demanding now, that our federation, and our employer really, step up and appreciate us as well."

https://twitter.com/chelseyroy/status/1104057807337283589

Although the sides reached a deal on a new five-year collective bargaining agreement in April 2017, the concerns about equal treatment have endured.

The lawsuit was filed on International Women's Day. The filing also comes three days after the USWNT secured a second-place finish in the 2019 SheBelieves Cup with a 1-0 victory over Brazil.

The United States women's national team salvaged a disappointing showing in the SheBelieves Cup with a 1-0 win over Brazil on Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Tobin Heath scored the match's only goal and Ashlyn Harris kept the shutout to lead the squad to its first win of the tournament after draws against Japan and champions England. The hosts ended up in second place out of four teams with five points in three matches.

Brazil finishes in last place after three straight losses in its first appearance at the fourth year of this tournament.

       

Tobin Heath Continues to Be Game-Changing Player for USWNT

Casual fans of the team know about Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, but Heath has arguably been the team's most important player as of late.

The forward has been a difference-maker with her ability to push the action down the line and put pressure on defenders. She has also shown that she can either find teammates for open shots at the net or finish herself.

The first goal against Brazil featured an outstanding individual effort from Heath, who created the opportunity and then had a beautiful finish after Morgan failed:

What a counter by the USWNT! ⚽️

Tobin Heath puts in the rebound with a clinical finish for the 1-0 lead after Morgan's shot is saved. 🇺🇸 #SheBelieves pic.twitter.com/zrE6kDlRsW

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 6, 2019

Great great great run by Tobin Heath, Rapinoe's slashing run opens up huge space for Morgan to receive the pass, she's stuffed by Aline but the rebound is finished with extreme prejudice by Heath. Aly Wagner just called it "luscious" which is...accurate. USA 1-0 BRA 20'

— Stars and Stripes FC (@StarsStripesFC) March 6, 2019

She also created more chances that didn't end in goals.

In an otherwise mediocre tournament from the U.S. squad, Heath continues to stand out:

Individually, it has been a fine tournament for Tobin Heath, despite the team's overall struggles. Brilliant decisions to twice cutting across her defender on that counterattack that led to her goal, which was a pinpoint finish.

— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) March 6, 2019

This has been the case for the past few months:

7 - @TobinHeath now has seven goals in her last nine appearances for the @USWNT. Finisher.

— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) March 6, 2019

There are plenty of players who look good when things are going well against inferior opponents. However, it takes another level of talent to succeed against the best competition in the world.

Heath has that type of ability, and her production is finally catching up to her potential.

If the Americans are going to win the World Cup this year, the 30-year-old will likely be a major part of the team's success.

        

What's Next?

The United States will continue to prepare for this summer's FIFA World Cup with a pair of home friendlies next month. The team will face Australia in Commerce City, Colorado, on April 4 and Belgium at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on April 7.

The United States' women's national team stumbled to another draw at the 2019 SheBelieves Cup on Saturday, as England held them. The final score was 2-2, leaving the Lionesses tied with Japan at the top of the standings.

Megan Rapinoe opened the scoring with a stunning volley, but Steph Houghton tied things up just minutes later, blasting home an indirect free-kick.

Nikita Parris gave the visitors the lead in the second half after a well-worked move, and Tobin Heath set up a thrilling finale by prodding home the equaliser from a corner.

The USA had drawn their opening match against Japan, while England bagged a win over Brazil. England now have four points after two matches, tied with Japan at the top of the standings and two ahead of the Stars and Stripes. Japan have the superior goal difference.

   

Stars and Stripes Have a Goalkeeper Problem

The United States will start the 2019 World Cup as the defending champions and favourites for the title, but they still entered the SheBelieves Cup with some question marks surrounding the team.

The biggest was in goal, where the Stars and Stripes will be without Hope Solo this summer. Alyssa Naeher is the favourite to start, and she was the one Sports Illustrated's Laken Litman would keep an eye on:

The #USWNT is underway at the #SheBelievesCup vs. Japan! @LakenLitman sees the competition as a big one for goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher entering the Women's World Cup.

For more, watch this week's Planet Fútbol TV with a FREE SI TV trial: https://t.co/a75tZaF4gY pic.twitter.com/lVny8PM4MV

— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) February 28, 2019

Naeher has experience and a big fan in manager Jill Ellis, but she's not without her critics. She conceded twice in the opener against Japan―courtesy of some dreadful defending―and got injured during the contest.

Per sportswriter Caitlin Murray, she won't have the opportunity to impress in the remaining matches:

https://twitter.com/caitlinmurr/status/1101970493794471936

That opened the door for 28-year-old Adrianna Franch, an NWSL standout who had to wait a long time for her shot. Some fans have wanted to see the two-time defending NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year between the sticks for the USWNT for years, and against the Lionesses, she finally got her chance.

Franch didn't look terribly out of place, but shortly after Rapinoe's opener, she made a dreadful blunder that gave England the chance to tie things up. Picking up a back-pass inside her own box, she gifted the Lionesses an indirect free-kick with a rookie mistake a player with her experience shouldn't make.

The free-kick was well-struck by Houghton but aimed at the side of the goal Franch decided to defend―top goalkeepers have to make that save.

There was little she could do about the second goal.

Perhaps the errors were down to the nerves or a lack of experience at this level, but Franch did not leave a great impression and may find future caps hard to come by.

That leaves 33-year-old Ashlyn Harris as the only real option to provide Naeher competition ahead of the World Cup. It's a bad situation for the Stars and Stripes, who haven't had to worry about the goalkeeper position in years.

    

What's Next?

England will play Japan on Tuesday, while the USA face Brazil on the same day. The Lionesses will have to beat Japan to win the tournament due to an inferior goal difference.