The United States' women's national soccer team released their squad list Thursday for the upcoming 2019 Women's World Cup, headlined by the likes of Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Mallory Pugh.
The team released a short video to hype the announcement:
*USWNT enters group chat* #OneNationOneTeam @NWSL pic.twitter.com/B3fMOhFnzq
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) May 2, 2019
Here's a look at the full squad:
The @USWNT World Cup squad is here! pic.twitter.com/trbjgihfM2
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 2, 2019
The Americans will start the 2019 World Cup as defending champions and face Thailand, Chile and Sweden in the group stages. They'll play three friendlies in May before their first World Cup match on June 11 against Thailand.
The Stars and Stripes haven't been at their best so far in 2019, falling well short of expectations in the SheBelieves Cup and winning only four of their seven matches this year.
The squad boasts plenty of talent, however. The defence is led by the likes of Becky Sauerbrunn and Ali Krieger, while Julie Ertz and Lindsey Horan are among the standouts in midfield.
The inclusion of Krieger is a surprise. Per Doug McIntyre of Yahoo Sports, the 34-year-old has played only once for the team in the last 25 months, featuring in the 6-0 rout of Belgium.
Sports writer RJ Allen questioned the decision, as well as the inclusion of Morgan Brian:
I do not understand Ellis not taking McCall Zerboni or Casey Short.
— RJ Allen (@TheSoccerCritic) May 2, 2019
I do not understand her taking Ali Krieger or Morgan Brain.
I just don't know, I really don't.
The Stars and Stripes' biggest strength lies in attack, where Morgan and Lloyd are supported by the likes of Pugh, Christen Press and Megan Rapinoe.
Alyssa Naeher will be the likely starter in goal in what will be her first major tournament in that role. The 31-year-old will be tasked with filling the big gloves left behind by Hope Solo.
Read 0 Comments
Download the app for comments Get the B/R app to join the conversation