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- The United States Women’s National Team opens the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup against Thailand.
- The US is reigning champions and is seeking its fourth World Cup title.
- The roster features 23 players, 11 of whom are newcomers, and is filled with experience and depth.
- Carli Lloyd is the most experienced of the group in the World Cup. She’s played in 18 matches and has scored seven goals.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) begins its journey to becoming back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup champions on Tuesday afternoon with a match against Thailand.
After an early exit from the 2016 Rio Olympics where the team fell in the quarterfinals to Sweden on penalty kicks, the US has gone 39-3-4 since and are one of the teams to beat.
For the first time, the team will have two players who have reached 100 international goals or more in Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan. The roster focuses around depth and experience at every position, while also featuring 11 newcomers to the World Cup stage.
Below we take you through each member of the US squad and how each can make a mark in this year’s Cup.
Alyssa Naeher
Brad Smith/ISI Photos / Getty Images
Position: Goalkeeper.
Age: 31.
International appearances: 46.
International goals: None.
One thing to know: When Hope Solo was dismissed from the national team in 2016, the US needed someone to fill the shoes of its star goalie. Naeher was part of the 2015 team that won the championship, but now she stands as the likely keeper who will be called upon to continue the US’ success in net. She went unbeaten in 15 starts in 2018 and has been a consistent defender.
Ashlyn Harris
Alika Jenner / Getty Images
Position: Goalkeeper.
Age: 33.
International appearances: 21.
International goals: None.
One thing to know: Ashlyn Harris was the youngest starting player on the US team that won the inaugural FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship in Canada in 2002. The veteran is another strong choice for the US in goal.
Adrianna Franch
Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
Position: Goalkeeper.
Age: 28.
International appearances: 1.
International goals: None.
One thing to know: Adrianna Franch impressed during her performances with the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), earning her a spot on the national team at the 2019 SheBelieves Cup, which also gave her her first cap.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
See Also:
- Women’s World Cup Power Ranking: Where all 24 teams stand at the start of the tournament
- RANKED: The 21 most valuable soccer players in the world right now
- 14 things that make Pebble Beach, home of the 2019 US Open, one of the most beloved courses in the world
Source: Business Insider –