By: Arthur Liao
The USWNT played its inaugural match for the World Cup on July 21, 2023. Their win against first-time entrant Vietnam was widely expected. But the sluggish 3-0 score was a far cry from the resounding 13-0 victory against Thailand in the first game of the 2019 World Cup. However, the match showed the potential of 22-year-old forward Sophia Smith, who scored two of the three goals in her debut World Cup match. Smith plays for the United States and the Portland Thorns FC.
The July 26th, 2023, rematch against the 2019 Women’s FIFA World Cup finalists Netherlands was a nerve-racking match. The Dutch surprised the American team with an early goal, bringing the score to 1-0. Team USA went into halftime trailing behind. Then, in the 62nd minute, US co-captain Lindsey Horan scored, tying the match.
The US team has only lost 5 games since winning the FIFA World Cup in 2019 and is highly favored to reign supreme once again. However, the tides could change because star players Becky Sauerbrunn, Mallory Swanson, Christen Press, and Catarina Macario – are also missing from the roster. But, four-time world champions Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe have brought a gang of youngsters like Sophia Smith that could help them win their fifth title. Smith is confident and secure as she tells reporters, “This younger group, we definitely don’t lack confidence. I don’t think it’s cocky. I don’t think it’s ego. We know what we’re capable of.”
Some of the many stars on the US Women’s national team are veterans like Morgan and Rapinoe. The younger players include Alyssa Thompson, Trinity Rodman, and Naomi Girma.
Alyssa Thompson was born on November 2nd, 2004. Her current position is forward where her responsibility is scoring goals. She was born in Studio City, California. Her height is 5 feet and 4 inches, and her number is 7. Her soccer team, or “club,” is Angel City FC (football club). This is not to be confused with the U.S. team she plays for too. She has made 4 appearances for the US National Team and has yet to make a goal playing for the U.S. National Team.
Trinity Rodman is 21 years old and was born on March 20th, 2002. Her position is forward and she was born in Laguna Niguel, California. She is 5 feet and 7 inches tall, the tallest of the three highlighed players. Trinity’s number is 20. Her club is Washington Spirit, and she has made 21 appearances for the US National Team, scoring 4 goals. Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson both hold records for being the youngest female players to be drafted into a club.
Last, but surely not the least, Naomi Girma. Noami Girma plays defense and is number 4. Her date of birth is June 14th, 2000. She was born in San Jose, California, and is 5 feet and 6 inches tall. Her club is San Diego Wave FC. Naomi has made 19 appearances and scored no goals (defenders don’t usually score anyways).
Now, we’re going to go on to three other important players. Alex Morgan has made 210 appearances, 50 goals, and won 2 world championships, and is co-captain of the U.S. team. She is a forward, and was born on July 12, 1989. Her hometown is Diamond Bar, California, and she plays with Naomi Girma on the San Diego Wave FC. Alex’s height is 5 feet and 7 inches. Her number is 13, and she is considered to be one of the greatest soccer players of all time. She also has a nickname of “Baby Horse,” due to her speed, running styles, and youth.
Lindsey Horan is temporarily the co-captain of the U.S team, and was born in Golden, Colorado. She is a midfielder, a type of forward. Her date of birth is March 26th, 1994. She has made 131 appearances, 29 goals, and won the 2019 world cup.
“This is Megan Rapinoe’s 200th appearance, so let’s see how she’ll fare,” an ESPN broadcaster said anxiously, sitting inside the reporter booth in Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. Such worry is merited considering that Megan Rapinoe, born in Redding, California, is 38 years old. She is also a forward and plays for OL Reign and is 5 feet 7 inches tall. Her number is 15 and has won 2 world championships with Alex Morgan. She has appeared 200 times and scored 63 goals!
This wraps up just a small fraction of the powerful force coming into the FIFA World Cup. Will the U.S. women’s team reign supreme once again, or will another force snatch their chance for their 3rd win in a row?
Sources:
https://www.ussoccer.com/players/
https://www.dogonews.com/2023/7/24/uswnt-chases-third-consecutive-world-cup-title