NFL
By Keith Richards
This Thursday, July 20th in New Zealand and Australia, the 2023 Women’s World Cup kicks off! All eyes will be on the USWNT as they seek their third consecutive world cup title (fifth overall). As it has been since winning their second title in 1999, the field continues to get stronger and stronger against USWNT.
This year might be the strongest ever, but USWNT is still the betting favorite at +260. They will be in Group E, which includes Vietnam, Netherlands, and Portugal. The Netherlands currently ranks 9th in the World. They were also in the Finals against the United States in 2019. Portugal and Vietnam rank 21st and 32nd respectively. So, Group E has been deemed the group of death.
On June 21st, the 23 women who will be representing the country for USWNT were announced. Coach Vlatko Andonovski went with some veteran presence with nine women from the 2019 USWNT squad were selected. However, 14 of the 23 players selected will be representing USWNT for the first time at the World Cup. Let’s get to know the players!
Goalkeepers: Aubrey Kingsbury, Casey Murphy, Alyssa Naeher
Goalkeeper is the easiest position to solve. With three keepers on the roster, the likelihood of playing (in order) are Alyssa Naeher, Alyssa Naeher, and Alyssa Naeher. Why? Because she spits hot fire! All kidding aside, Kingsbury and Murphy have a combined 15 caps for USWNT and will both be entering their first World Cup.
Naeher has six times more caps for USWNT (90) and will be entering her third World Cup. You might see Aubrey or Casey late in the group stage but Naeher will be the woman who seeks to be the brick wall.
Defenders: Alana Cook, Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Sofia Huerta, Kelley O’Hara, Emily Sonnett
Kelley O’Hara is the veteran of the group as this will be her fourth World Cup with USWNT. Outside of her, no woman has represented USWNT at the World Cup more than two times. Crystal Dunn and Emily Sonnet have both played for USWNT in two World Cups, but all other players will be there for the first time. Outside of goalkeeper (who is a three-woman position group), only the midfielders (453) have fewer combined caps.
The defender group clocks in at 458 caps. Crystal Dunn is likely the player to watch for the USWNT defenders. Dunn has 131 caps, which is second in the group behind O’Hara. She will be counted on not only for her defense, but Crystal loves to push forward in the attack as well. With an attack as deadly as USWNT, they have failed to score more than two goals since their 5-0 win over New Zealand on May 16th, which is six total matches. So, every offensive advantage will be key. Dunn is one of those advantages.
Midfielders: Savannah DeMelo, Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Kristie Mewis, Ashley Sanchez, Andi Sullivan
Only the forwards have fewer players with multiple caps than the midfielders. Ertz (3), Horan (2), and Lavelle (2) all have represented the States at a World Cup before. All other players in this group will be playing in their first World Cup. While this is Ertz’s third World Cup, the unquestionable leader of this group is Lindsey Horan.
Lindsey Horan, the Colorado native, was named co-captain of the 2023 WWC team; Alex Morgan was named the other co-captain. Horan is the maestro for both the offense and the defense in the midfield. She covers Crystal Dunn when Dunn comes forward. If Dunn is not coming forward, it’s Lindsey who is likely getting the ball to the center forward or wingers to start the attack.
It’s no secret how important Horan is to the USWNT squad. If she doesn’t have an exemplary World Cup, it diminishes the chances of the USA winning it all.
Forwards: Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Alyssa Thompson, Lynn Williams
Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room. Mallory Swanson will be sorely missed at the 2023 WWC. Swanson tore her patellar tendon on April 8th in a friendly against Ireland. Mallory is arguably the best forward in the world and was playing lights out in the months leading up to her injury. She’s not a player you can truly replace, but USWNT won’t be helpless without the Colorado native on the team.
In terms of caps, the forwards are the strongest group on the team. However, 405 of the 506 total caps are split between Morgan and Rapinoe. Smith, Rodman, Thompson, and Williams will be entering their first World Cup. Of that group, Williams has the most experience with 52 caps. Smith has 29, Rodman has 17, and Thompson only has three. It will be one of the first timers, though, that will be the key to the USWNT attack.
Sophia Smith, another Colorado native, is the reigning MVP of the NSWL. At only 22 years old, the story of Smith is just getting started. In 13 appearances for the Portland Thorns this season, Sophia has 10 goals and five assists. In her 29 appearances for USWNT, Smith has netted 12 goals. Without question, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe will lead the group with their four World Cup appearances each. It will be Sophia Smith, however, that will need to be the star if the USA will bring home a third consecutive title.
Team NBS will have you covered for all things World Cup. USWNT opens up its title defense against Vietnam on July 21st. Be loud and be proud of our ladies in the red, white, and blue! It’s not too late to get your gear, which can be found here. USWNT will win their fifth World Cup because WE BELIEVE!
