They did it again! It was spectacular watching another USWNT World Cup win. Megan Rapinoe was calm and collected and Rose Lavelle was sensational. This team and this nation’s women are the best at soccer.
The USWNT have four World Cup victories. But U.S. Soccer has dragged it’s feet in paying them what they deserve. Honestly, what more do they have to do to earn equal pay?
This Isn’t New. USWNT Win World Cup after World Cup
Unlike women’s soccer, the first men’s World Cup was in 1930. The USMNT had 21 opportunities since 1930 to qualify and play in World Cups. Still, they only qualified for ten World Cups. Since their third-place finish in 1930, their best finish is eighth. To call the USMNT lackluster is, to say the least.
Much different to the USMNT is the USWNT. Today, the USWNT won their fourth World Cup title, in just eight World Cups. It’s absolutely incredible. In 50-percent of Women’s World Cups, the USWNT walk away with the trophy. And this doesn’t even count the four Olympic Gold Medals the USWNT have. In just six Summer Olympics, they’ve won it all four times. So, in 14 Women’s World Cups and Summer Olympics, the US Women were victorious eight times. Eight times! Success like this is unheard of in any other sport.
Breaking Records Left and Right
Recall the 12 records and stats that displayed how truly amazing the USWNT is.
That was before today’s USWNT World Cup win. Now, they’ve further extended and set even more records. This win marks 12 consecutive World Cup match wins, which surpasses the 2002-2006 Brazilian men. They also surpassed the 1999 USWNT and 2003 German women for most goals in a Women’s World Cup tournament. Wins, goals, appearances, titles. Whatever the category of success is, the USWNT is at the top.
Viewership and Revenue
Revenue is always the argument when people rationalize paying women less. Men just generate more financially, right? Wrong. That may have been the case prior to the 2015 World Cup Win, but it’s not anymore. Since then, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report, “U.S. women’s games generated more total revenue than U.S. men’s games”. The USWNT stadium home kit is also Nike’s best online-selling jersey in a single-season.
Additionally, even before any number from the 2019 Women’s World Cup Final comes out, the 2015 Women’s World Cup Final already holds the record for the most-viewed soccer game in the U.S. So, let’s get this straight. They get the best views. Their views generate more income. And the USWNT are the top-selling national team, men’s or women’s.
Without a doubt, the USWNT deserve to be paid more than the USMNT. But, at a minimum, U.S. Soccer needs to pay them equally. It’s the justice they earned.
Yet again, the USWNT won another World Cup final. These women are on fire. Breaking records left and right, fighting for equal pay, and even getting into beef with President Trump himself. Though many called them “classless“, “unsportsmanlike“, or worse, these incredible and strong women stood, unaffected. In their dominance, they’ve set themselves apart from the historic men and women’s World Cup teams. Now, more than ever, the U.S. women are proving that they deserve equal pay (if not more) to the U.S. Men’s National Team. Here are 12 USWNT stats and records that display how truly great American women are at soccer.
Even though the USWNT were already the leaders for Women’s World Cup titles, winning the 2019 Women’s World Cup further extended their record. In fact, with their 2019 Women’s World Cup victory, their title win-percentage is 50-percent. Eight tournaments, four championships. This team is unreal.
The USWNT now holds the record for most consecutive finals appearances. This USWNT stat is for both men and women’s World Cups.
Most Finishes in the Top 2 of a Women’s World Cup (5)
Since 1991, there have been eight Women’s World Cups. The USWNT appeared in 5 of those. That USWNT stat is 62.5-percent of World Cup finals for these all-stars.
Most Finishes in the Top 3 or 4 of a Women’s World Cup (8)
Unsurprisingly from those who watch the USWNT, they play well in each World Cup tournament. However, it is still incredibly impressive that they walk away with a medal every time. The lowest finish from the USWNT is third-place. They’ve finished third three times, second once, and first three times. No World Cup team, men or women’s, can say they’ve finished third or above in every World Cup played. Astounding.
Best Goal Differential in Women’s World Cups (+100)
Taking all USWNT World Cup matches, they scored 100 more goals than conceded. The record for men and women is currently held by Brazil with a plus-124 goal differential. Granted, the Brazil men’s team played in 21 World Cup tournaments, 13 more than the USWNT women.
Just like goal differential, this USWNT stat is only for Women’s World Cups. The Brazilian men’s team hold the record for most World Cup goals scored with 229.
Again, the Brazilian men hold another record over the women. With 73 wins, the USWNT have a long way to go to top that. However, the USWNT average 1.5 wins more per tournament than the Brazilian men.
Most Tournaments Unbeaten in Women’s World Cup History (4)
With their victory on July 7th, this USWNT finished their fourth Women’s World Cup tournament unbeaten. So, in half of the Women’s World Cup tournaments, the U.S. women’s team walk out unbeaten. They are Goliaths.
Most Goals Scored in a World Cup Match (13) and Best Match Goal Differential (13)
A rundown of records set/tied in the USWNT's 13-0 win over Thailand.
Most goals ever in a Women's/Men's World Cup Game (13).
Alex Morgan's 5 goals tied the most by a player in a men's or women's World Cup game.
Against Thailand, the U.S. women’s team rocked the world. Critics called them “classless” and “unsportsmanlike”, while fans rode the wave of success. This USWNT statistic set a record for both men and women’s tournaments.
Obviously, the USWNT got a solid head start with their record-breaking win against Thailand. Winning 13 to 0 is quite the performance. With their two goals in the 2019 Women’s World Cup Final, they passed the 1999 USWNT and the 2003 German women for most goals in a Women’s World Cup tournament. They were also just one goal shy of tying the 1954 Hungarian men for most goals, men or women. So close.
With their win against England, the USWNT launched themselves over the top of Norway’s ten-game win record. This UWSNT stat is also tied with the 2002-2006 Brazilian men’s teams with 11 consecutive wins. But, winning the 2019 Women’s World Cup Final broke the record for either men or women. Let’s go!
The Best USWNT Statistic We’ve Found
Nike said that the @USWNT's 2019 stadium home jersey is now the No. 1-selling soccer jersey, men's or women's, ever sold on its website in one season. https://t.co/6GinDnnMuS
Reported by Tom VanHaaren of ESPN, the USWNT’s stadium home jersey just took the top-spot, for men or women, of Nike.com sales in one season. Additionally, online jersey retailer Fanatics also reported sales growth of more than 500-percent for the USWNT when compared through the same semi-final period in 2015. They are the top-selling national soccer team, men or women.
So let’s recap these USWNT statistics and records. The U.S. team is the most decorated women’s soccer team in history. They hold records over both men and women in incredibly impressive statistics. Remember, they also hold the record for the most watched soccer game in United States history. And now they also set records for jersey sales. It’s impossible to ignore their talent, hard work and success.
In today’s 2-0 USWNT vs Sweden victory, the US women opted to take the path of most resistance. There was a lot of discussion surrounding tournament schemes and deliberately throwing the match. Because of the 2019 World Cup draw, the USWNT will face Spain in the round of 16 and most likely France in the quarterfinals. Just this January, both Spain and France were difficult opponents for the USWNT. In the two friendlies, the USWNT lost 3-1 to France and won 1-0 against Spain. Neither of those signify ease. While Spain can prove admirable, France is the team with best advantages against the USWNT. Not only is France host nation of the World Cup, it is arguably the best (or second-best) team in the tournament. Compounding those is the fact that France consistently gives the USWNT trouble.
Recent France vs USWNT Results
The last time the USWNT beat France was in the 2016 SheBelieves Cup. Despite the victory, it was still only a 1-0 win and Hope Solo was in goal. Since then, France beat the USWNT 3-0 in the 2017 SheBelieves Cup, tied the USWNT 1-1 in the 2018 SheBelieves Cup and handily won 3-1 in a 2019 international friendly. Granted, Jill Ellis was experimenting during those years with different rosters and formations, but it doesn’t excuse the losses. France is a strong team with growing confidence and home-field advantage. That’s nothing to mess with.
The Path of 2012 Japan: Merit in Throwing a Match
With sports, merit and honor are always in question. Coaches and management are crucified for throwing games or seasons. But, doing so for positive results is worth considering. Rebuilding teams utilize their losing game-plan to trade away assets for picks, free up salary room, and acquire top picks in the draft. When teams commit to losing and rebuilding with analytical strategy, they experience resurgence. Just look at the Philadelphia Sixers or the Cleveland Browns. It’s unpopular during the escapade, but it works.
Norio Sasaki, 2015 Algarve Cup
Like this, attempting to lose or tie to draw a better tournament schedule is also a valid strategy. In the 2012 Olympics, Japanese coach Norio Sasaki largely changed his lineup against a weaker South Africa team. Then, he told his players to not push for a winning goal. Because of this, his players avoided a five-hour drive to Glasgow for the next match. Ultimately, the Japanese women advanced to the final match. So, there are certainly advantages to giving your team the easiest path to victory. If Jill Ellis instructed the women to lose in the USWNT vs Sweden match today, it wouldn’t be uncalled for.
Losing for Strategy Wasn’t Not an Option for the USWNT vs Sweden
Despite any consideration fans and analysts give losing for tactical advantage, there was no way the USWNT would do this on purpose. Players and coach alike, there was a multitude of reasons against this strategy.
USWNT vs Sweden Revenge Game
First off, these women are proud athletes. The largest stain on their campaign is the 2016 USWNT vs Sweden loss in the Rio Olympics. This loss marked the end of Hope Solo’s career and catapulted the USWNT into uncertainty. Obviously, athletes love to win. But more importantly, athletes and fans feed on rivalries and pride. They don’t want anyone to second guess them.
"The feeling from that defeat still hasn't left"
Facing up to Rio 2016 conquerors #SWE again, #USA are out to maintain a longstanding @USWNT habit of turning pain into gain 💪@FIFAWWC_USA | #FIFAWWC
“We want to freaking play France.” “Fingers crossed obviously. But at the end of the day it’s, like, mind-boggling that people would think we would actually want to lose a game going into the knockout rounds. We want to continue those winning vibes.”
“(Beating Sweden) is huge.” “It makes a huge impact on the world to see that we are not messing around, we are here to win. We are here to win every game, to score as many goals as we can to prove that we are the best team in the world. Each game is the biggest game of our lives. That’s how we are taking it [moving] forward.”
Yes, there is a lot that Jill Ellis could do to stifle the USWNT. She controls the lineup, not the players. But, even if Jill Ellis wanted to stop the USWNT from scoring, this team is on fire. Stopping them, even with a different lineup, was an impossible challenge.
Against Thailand and Chile
65 Shots (30 on Target)
16 Goals
8 Different Goal Scorers
Alex Morgan scored 5 goals in a Single Match
Carli Lloyd Scored in 6 Consecutive World Cup Matches (2015 and 2019)
3 Shots Allowed (2 on Target)
75% Possession vs Thailand and 68% Possession vs Chile
Without a doubt, the USWNT is the team to beat right now. They broke records in their win against Thailand and didn’t tilt from the hate. Against Chile, even though they rested seven starters from the Thailand game, they still won handily. It gave Jill Ellis a chance to rest and test. Her stars got a break and her substitutes got playtime. Players like Carli Lloyd got to prove that they’ve got it and should be respected. Young and veteran alike, there were too many talented, scoring options for the USWNT vs Sweden.
The USWNT Doesn’t Show Fear
Last, everyone needs to remember that this team despises fear. For goodness sake, Hope Solo lost her job because she called the Swedish team “cowards” for sitting back and playing defensively. Think the USWNT players would throw the match and allow anyone to call them cowards? Not a chance.
Although many argued avoiding France early was the best strategy, it’s not in their playbook. Their best way to win this tournament is to never lose. Obviously. Just like NFL teams that go for it on fourth and two, the US women refuse to punt. Continuing to press into the attacking third and relentlessly strike the ball is the USWNT way. They are in incredible form right now, dangerous as ever. Relenting, even if it is for the “greater good” is not something they will or even can do.
“I don’t think we would even understand how to play that game.”
Winners. These USWNT athletes are winners, through and through. They aren’t afraid to take the difficult path to victory, even if that means taking on France in the quarterfinals or taking on U.S. Soccer in a pay-equity lawsuit. If the USWNT want to win this tournament, they have to keep the gas-pedal to the floor. This isn’t a defensive team, tactically or mentally. They’re out for blood and don’t care who the opponent is. Whether it’s the USWNT vs Sweden or Spain or France, they continue to press and attack. They are fearless, talented warriors, ready for another title.
The USWNT Forwards Are The Strength of the U.S. Team
At last, this roster coverage turns away from the goalkeepers, defense and midfield and to the strength of the U.S. Women’s National Team roster: the forwards. Attacking ability is the utmost importance to the Americans. Oddly enough, even with the talent of the three starters (Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath), Jill Ellis brought four additional forwards. Some of them, especially a clutch veteran like Carli Lloyd, could see action as a midfielder as well. They have incredible depth at the position, filled with diverse talent. Any other country would dream of this level of security and upside. Creating scoring opportunities is what the USWNT forwards do better than anyone else. Here is the most dangerous attacking group in the World Cup.
The USWNT Forward Projected Starters
Alex Morgan | Age: 29 | Caps: 163 | ST | Team Captain
When soccer fans think of U.S. soccer, Alex Morgan is who they think of. She is the face of the USWNT. Morgan is among the most prolific goal-scorers in U.S. history. Morgan’s 101 goals rank 6th all time and her 0.62 goals per game is elite. Morgan was the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 2012 and 2018, in addition to being the CONCACAF Player of the Year in 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2018. She is, beyond a doubt, a pure goal-scorer, through and through.
Peculiarly, Morgan never found her footing in the NWSL. Her 0.36 goals per game is significantly lower than her international average. Additionally, Morgan never earned an NWSL Best XI appearance. She also was only NWSL Player of the Week once in her career. In the NWSL, Morgan is just another player. But internationally, Alex Morgan is sensational.
https://youtu.be/2JtyKAqinaU
For the USWNT forwards, Morgan is the electricity. When she broke out for the USWNT, Morgan displayed game-breaking speed and a knack for scoring. She was raw, fast and powerful. Morgan’s skillset gives her the ability to get behind the defense. She routinely gains position with speed and strength. Her athleticism and shooting ability were always dangerous. But, in recent years Morgan’s developed into even more of a threat.
Alex Morgan Evolved
In her growth, Morgan evolved into a well-balanced striker, willing to also be a role-player. In games, Morgan is seen making clearing runs or setting up the pass before the assist. She sets up her surrounding teammates for success. Her intelligence and knack for field position have also upgraded. Morgan makes phenomenal off-ball runs and has an impeccable first touch.
So, remember that Morgan can and likely will score in plenty. She has incredible upside, scoring 28 goals with 21 assists in 2012. In her arsenal, she has:
Three. In her soccer career, Megan Rapinoe has suffered three different ACL tears. But, each time she has returned to all-pro form. Her last ACL tear was in 2015 and many have placed partial fault of the USWNT’s loss to Sweden on Rapinoe’s recovering knee. But no more. Rapinoe is back and dangerous as ever.
Not long ago, Megan Rapinoe felt “on the outs” with the national team. She’d torn her ACL & joined Kaepernick in his peaceful protest of racial injustice. She enters the World Cup with her voice & game stronger than ever: https://t.co/I4w8u4Zj32
There are two words that describe Rapinoe best: versatile and creative. Rapinoe is comfortable and a threat with either foot. She beats opponents on the left side to send in assists from the byline or cuts inside to create her own right-footed shot. Rapinoe can score or assist from every piece of grass on the attacking third.
Based off of her assist count, Rapinoe is an easy choice for playmaker. Her 57 assists ranked 5th all-time for the USWNT. In the 2015 World Cup, Rapinoe serviced up key passes on the regular. Her vision and feel of the game is brilliant. She is the Andre Pirlo of the UWSNT forwards. Rapinoe can and will set up her teammates to succeed.
After fouls, Rapinoe is at her most potent. Her dead-ball service is top of the world. She delivers upper-v strikes to the back of the net or lofty passes to a teammates head. Rapinoe’s intelligence and placement is unmatched. When, not if, the opposition gives her a dead ball opportunity, be ready for the spectacular.
Tobin Heath | Age: 31 | Caps: 150 | RW
Get your highlight reels ready because Tobin Heath’s footwork is ridiculous. It always has been. In her first USWNT cap, on her very first touch on the ball, Heath nutmegged two Canadian defenders. This is her story. Heath is confident and aggressive with her foot skills. She’s much like Brazilian footballers in that way. Why dribble around a player when she can nutmeg them?
Best of all, Heath is entering the 2019 Women’s World Cup in her best form. She notched 10 international goals since the start of 2018. Additionally, Heath earned an NWSL Best XI in 2018 and Best XI in the CONCACAF Women’s Championship. Her seven goals and six assists in just ten games in 2018 are exceptional.
On the right side of the pitch, Heath can be left alone. Because of her technical strength, Heath is difficult to guard one-on-one or even two-on-one. She can beat people off the dribble on any touch, has pace to run down a through ball, and plays through contact. Heath frequently makes professional and international defenders look inadequate.
She scores dope goals. She's got video game moves. She's also the coolest person.
In her third World Cup, Heath is expected to be great. She made four appearances in the 2011 World Cup and started five of the seven 2015 World Cup games. Big tournaments are not foreign for Heath. She is 31 years old and is a veteran winger. Barring injury, Heath should start all seven games and continue her 2018 success.
Wait. Carli Lloyd is a reserve? That’s almost as shocking as watching the NBA playoffs without LeBron James. To those new to the soccer world, Carli Lloyd is a USWNT legend. She’s ranked in the top-ten for caps, goals and assists. In the 2015 Women’s World Cup, Lloyd was clutch as could be. She scored in each of the USWNT final four games. In the final, Lloyd unleashed the beast and scored a hat trick to push the USWNT into victory. She was unstoppable, topping off her hat trick with a half-field strike.
Lloyd, after that ridiculous finals effort, was obviously granted the tournament’s Golden Boot. She was also the 2015 FIFA World Player of the Year. Everything went right for Lloyd and she is the last memory of the 2015 FIFA World Cup.
After the World Cup, Lloyd spent a few professional seasons with sub-star levels of performance. Adding to that is her age. Lloyd is 36 years old, 37 in July. She’s not fit enough to efficiently play a full-90 anymore. But, with the talent around her, she doesn’t have to be.
“And here I am, once again, facing a new struggle.
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) June 6, 2019
Instead, Lloyd gets the chance to come off the bench as a super-sub. Ellis moved the attacking midfielder to a reserve forward for one reason: come off the bench and shoot. Lloyd never hesitated to shoot as a midfielder and will certainly not pause as a USWNT forward. She always goes for goal, aggressively and determined. Though she’s not as fast as her younger self, Lloyd can play technical and crafty. Judging by her latest performances on the USWNT roster, it appears she’s once again found her footing. Lloyd scored five times in her last three matches. Once again, Lloyd is ramping up her international clutch gene. Get ready to watch the return of a legend.
Christen Press | Age: 30 | Caps: 116 | ST
If ever there was a player you don’t want the opposition to bring off the bench, it’s Christen Press. Press is a track-star, soccer player with incredible speed. She is a change-of-pace phenom with a high ceiling. Press will use her acceleration, along with a lethal cut back to her left-footed shot, to drive the ball into the back of the net.
At her best, Press is a goal-scoring machine. She set Stanford’s all-time scoring record with 71 goals. Press was the fifth player in USWNT history to score double-figure goals in three consecutive years (2014-2016). She slotted in with USWNT giants Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach, Tiffany Milbrett and Carli Lloyd. In those seasons, she also earned a spot on the NWSL First XI in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Additionally, she captured the 2013 Damallsvenskan Golden Boot. Those years were excellent for the striker.
Tale of Two Christen’s
But since then, she’s taken more of a backseat in USWNT scoring. After scoring 41 international goals from 2013 to 2016, Press only has 7 goals since 2017. Again, Press has game-breaking abilities. On four occasions, Press tallied an international hat trick. In one of those, she had four goals. Also, Press recently was Damallsvenskan Player of the Month after scoring four goals in three games in April of 2018. When she’s on, she’s on.
However, Press’ inconsistency as a USWNT forward is an issue. Then again, as a reserve, Press holds unbelievable upside. Her speed and scoring ceiling can open up large leads for the U.S. team. Whatever the case was for her slip in goals since 2017, Press remains an excellent reserve with World Cup experience and the ability to catch fire.
At just 21 years of age, Mallory Pugh already has 53 international caps. Amazing. She is without a doubt a rising star on this USWNT roster. Pugh was U.S. Soccer’s Young Female Athlete of the Year in 2015 and Gatorade’s National Female Soccer Player of the Year in 2016. For good reason.
Pugh is Technically Sound
On the USWNT forward depth chart, Pugh is a pure winger. She doesn’t hesitate to take on defenders directly with strong dribbling and precise footwork. When on the field, Pugh provides consistent, progressive runs. Attacking the defense like a seasoned veteran is what she does. Pugh has fantastic spacing and makes great runs off the ball. She understands the game and what the defense gives her. Her position makes it easy for teammates to find her. She is a technically savvy winger and that is deadly.
Speed kills but technical speed absolutely annihilates defenders . Mallory Pugh is for real.
Adding to her winger skillset is a natural ability to score goals. In her first cap against Ireland, at just 17 years of age, Pugh came in off the bench and score. In her first cap. At 17! In 2016, she also became the youngest American player to score in the Olympic Games. Pugh knows how to get the ball in the back of the net. She is an excellent winger and will continue to rise.
66': Mallory Pugh comes on as a sub 67': Mallory Pugh scores
With that being said, Pugh is still not as good as Megan Rapinoe and Tobin Heath. And that’s okay. Those are elite players. Pugh is still so young. She has more time to develop and master her craft. Still, if she is called upon this 2019 Women’s World Cup, she undoubtedly will shoot. Pugh is impressively efficient and has an uncanny ability to score.
Jessica McDonald | Age: 31 | Caps: 7| ST
Though she’s 31 years old, Jessica McDonald is the least experienced on the team, internationally speaking. She only has 7 caps to her name, gaining her first call-up in 2016. The reason behind her lack of international play is mostly because of injury and pregnancy. During her rookie season in the WPS, she suffered a devastating, knee injury with an 18-month recovery. During recovery, McDonald also became pregnant. By age 23, every other player on the USWNT roster had at least one call-up. McDonald, on the other hand, had an injured knee, a pregnancy and the dissolving WPS to worry about.
But, like many hero’s journeys, McDonald continued to persevere. It wasn’t simple either. In the last ten years, she’s played for nine different professional teams. In her son’s first two years, she played for four different teams, one in Australia. Being traded from team to team and moving from city to city, as a single mother, is not easy. Even so, McDonald made the most of her opportunities.
Paving Her Own Path
After moving back to the states for the inaugural NWSL season in 2013, Jessica McDonald began to make waves. She was the first player in the NWSL to reach 33 regular-season goals.
Even so, she still played off the bench or jumped from team to team. It wasn’t until 2017 that McDonald played on the same team for consecutive seasons. Because of their loyalty, the North Carolina Courage got the best of McDonald’s play. She helped lift them to two NWSL Shields (2016, 2017) and an NWSL Championship in 2018. In the closing moments of the 2018 season and the playoffs, McDonald was exquisite. She finished the regular season with four goals and four assists in her final seven games. Then, McDonald scored the only goal in the NWSL semifinal, then two goals in the title game and earned an NWSL Championship MVP.
McDonald may be 31, but her play is peaking. She’s finally getting the respect she deserves and a spot as a USWNT forward. McDonald is the best substitute striker in NWSL history. Now, she gets to patiently await her opportunity to strike.
If the Defense Falters, the USWNT Forwards Need to Score Multiples
After review, the USWNT forwards are without a doubt the strength of this squad. They will send volleys of shots at opponents, no matter the score. Ellis is an attacking-minded coach and her seven forwards display this. Each of them could earn a roster spot on another country’s team. This depth will serve the USWNT roster well. Especially considering the lack of depth, experience, and health at defense and goalkeeper. In order to win, the USWNT needs to score multiple goals in every game. Their defense and style will fail to shutout opponents. Nonetheless, they have the firepower needed to do so. Get ready for goals. And goals in abundance.
Because of Jill Ellis’s 4-3-3 approach to the USWNT roster, the USWNT midfield is extremely important to success. While most teams control the center of the pitch with four midfielders, the U.S. women rely on three, key contributors. This lineup leans heavily on distributing the ball to striker and wingers, and aggressively pushing forward. With only three starters, Ellis chose to bring just six total midfielders. But, as said before with players like Crystal Dunn, many of the USWNT roster are very versatile. With that being said, here are the midfielders to keep an eye on in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
USWNT Midfield Projected Starters
Lindsey Horan| Age: 25 | Caps: 68 | CM
Lindsey Horan is without question the USWNT midfield’s biggest star. At just 25 years of age. Horan is an incredible talent and has the potential to become the best midfielder in the world.
While most of the U.S. women transitioned from high school to college to pro, Horan skipped college to play professionally. And who could blame her when she garnered a six-figure contract from Paris-Saint Germain. With this move, Horan instantly received experience playing against tough competition. She excelled. Horan scored 46 goals in 58 appearances with PSG before she transitioned back to the States.
In the NWSL, Horan became the best attacking, defending, and overall midfielder. She is the reigning NSWL MVP, obviously earned a spot on the 2018 NWSL Best XI, and was the NWSL Championship MVP in 2017. Horan has been elite in the NWSL, but her 2018 campaign was ridiculous.
On the NWSL official league leaders list, there are 31 different statistics for non-goalkeepers, excluding stats for yellow and red cards. Horan appears on 30 of those top-50 lists. Here are some highlights:
#1 in Total Touches (1,852)
1st in Total Duels Won (297)
1st in Aerial Duels Won (141)
2nd in Dribbles Completed (46)
2nd in Total Passes (1,293)
3rd in Goals Scored (13)
3rd in Headed Clearances (42)
4th in Tackles Won (47)
5th in Recoveries (218)
6th in Shots on Target
Just entering her prime, Horan is primed for an international breakout in the 2019 Women’s World Cup. She is a dominant force in all facets of the game. Be ready to watch Horan win headers, make clutch tackles, beat her opponents on the dribble and strike long-shots with effortless power.
You get a corner kick goal! And you get a corner kick goal!
Seizing opportunities and rising to the occasion is what Julie Ertz does best. Leading up to the 2015 Women’s World Cup, Ertz replaced Crystal Dunn on the 23-woman USWNT roster. Not only did she replace Dunn, but Ertz started and played every minute of all seven World Cup games. Only her and four other U.S. women did that. From outside looking in to mainstay, Ertz cemented her name on the USWNT midfield.
In her club career, Ertz quickly earned praise on the Chicago Red Stars. After being drafted third overall in the 2014 NWSL College Draft, Ertz became the 2014 NWSL Rookie of the Year. In the following years with her team, she earned a spot on the 2015 NWSL Best XI and three spots on the NWSL Second XI (2016, 2017, 2018). She’s consistently been among the top of the league at the midfield position.
Ertz hasn’t always played in the center of the pitch. In her first World Cup, she was a defender. But in 2017, in one of Jill Ellis’ many experiments, she moved Ertz to midfield. It was an incredibly successful move. Ellis became the USWNT Player of the Year in 2017 and is the hammer of the USWNT midfield. Combining defensive and midfield experience, intelligence and leadership, and an outright willingness to sacrifice her body created the most intimidating midfielder on the USWNT roster. She’s known for her aggressiveness. Ertz often recklessly forces her way into challenges and tackles. It’s earned her a reputation as an enforcer, never backing down from winning 50-50 balls in the middle of the field.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkvGDL8DBVU
She’s more than just a bruiser though. Ertz scored 31 goals in 79 collegiate appearances for the Santa Clara Broncos and she’s also shown capability of scoring professionally and internationally. She’s dangerous on set pieces, probably due to her outright carelessness for challenges. Ellis also encourages Ertz to push up field. Though she’s a defensive midfielder, she’s far less holding in Ellis’ ultra-attack system. Because of this, it can often lead to counterattacks. However, the style of play for the USWNT is to press forward, create opportunities and shoot as many times as necessary. They rarely sit back on their heels or park the bus. Ready your eyes for some wince-inducing tackles and pray that Ertz can stay healthy, even in her punishing play.
Rose Lavelle| Age: 24 | Caps: 27 | AM
Rose Lavelle is a brilliant player to watch. Her collegiate play and highlight-reel footskills earned her the first overall pick in the 2017 NWSL College Draft. Lavelle was the Big Ten Midfielder of the Year in 2015 and 2016. Backheels, early through balls, and control at full pace are a few of her traits. On the ball, Lavelle is creative, talented and confident. She’s is dynamic and technically savvy.
— Our Game Magazine (@OurGameMagazine) May 26, 2019
That’s all great… if she can stay on the field. But she hasn’t been able to. In her first two seasons of NWSL action, Lavelle only played 21 total games, due to international-play injuries. She has torn her hamstring multiple times and has consistently been unreliable. Though she has 27 caps, Lavelle only played three, full-90 games for the USWMT.
Certainly, Lavelle carries the injury-prone tag now. So why would Ellis choose to start her? It boils down to two reasons: attacking prowess and team chemistry. As noted above, Lavelle is a talented attacker, capable of creating her own opportunities. She brings a unique set of skills to the USWNT midfield. Also, Lavelle complement Horan and Ertz very well. Ertz is the holder and enforcer. Horan controls the team, both defensively and offensively. Everything goes through Horan. Lavelle, on the other hand, is almost strictly sought-out for her connection with Horan and her scoring ability. This skillset earned her three goals in five appearances in the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s Championship.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw2hcKNoz40
Clearly, Lavelle is a young, impressive footballer. Nonetheless, fitness and experience are a big deal. She is only 24 and this is her first World Cup. On top of that, Lavelle’s hamstrings are a big question mark. Starting a player that has only played three full-90 matches internationally is a bold move. The health of Lavelle’s hamstrings is incredibly important.
USWNT Midfield Projected Bench
Samantha Mewis| Age: 26 | Caps: 50 | CM
Standing at five feet and eleven inches, Samantha Mewis is known by her teammates as the “Tower of Power”. Mewis is a great, all-around midfielder. She is known for skillful dribbling, excellent field position and a powerful leg. Mewis is a problem to opposing defenses and is always a danger to score from distance.
In the NWSL, Mewis is consistently near the top of the league. She was a finalist for NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2015, a finalist for the 2017 NWSL MVP and earned a spot on the NWSL Best XI in 2017. Mewis also showed up in big games. In the 2016 and 2018 playoffs, she scored goals in both semi-finals and the 2016 NWSL Championship game.
Honestly, Mewis isn’t on the bench because of poor play, inconsistency or anything in her control. She’s sitting on the sideline because of Horan’s ascension and Lavelle/Ertz’s role-playing in Ellis’s 4-3-3 system. She’s a really good footballer, but lacks the chemistry and unique skillset needed to start for Ellis. With that being said, Mewis is a great replacement for Horan or Lavelle, if either misses time. Considering Lavelle’s injury history, Mewis could find playtime as early as the first match.
Allie Long | Age: 31 | Caps: 45 | DM
For the better part of the past year, due to a lingering knee injury and younger call-ups, Allie Long was on the roster bubble. Ellis was testing out different athletes for the USWNT midfield and she left Long out. But, in the final moments, Ellis chose experience. As was the case with Ali Krieger and Morgan Brian, Jill Ellis wanted the veterans that have been there before. She wants known quantities.
”World Cups aren’t moments to invest in players. World Cups are about winning.”
Long is a good depth play for Ellis. She’s played on NWSL teams with Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan and Megan Rapinoe. Certainly, team chemistry is a good thing. Also, Long is a good backup to Ertz. Though she’s not nearly the punisher Ertz is, Long is a solid, holding midfielder. Long is consistent, maintains possession and can win tackles. She has experience in big tournaments and in different defensive/midfield positions.
Prior to her knee injury, Long was in excellent form. She earned spots on the NWSL Best XI in consecutive years (2015, 2016) and helped the Portland Thorns to one NWSL Shield (2016) and two NWSL Championships (2013, 2017). Now, with a fully healed knee (fingers crossed), Long is game-fit, reliable and ready for opportunity.
Morgan Brian | Age: 26 | Caps: 86 | CM
When it comes to Morgan Brian, it is all about her health. Brian’s play hasn’t been the problem when she’s been fit. In the 2015 Women’s World Cup, Brian was instrumental in the USWNT’s win against China in the quarterfinals. She also played in six games, starting in four. In that tournament, she found her feet and ignited a spark into the USWNT midfield. Her growth and form continued into the 2016 Olympic run, where she earned the Golden Ball in the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship.
Brian is an impressive midfielder. She has the ability to win a tackle, instantly know where to pass the ball, and make a run for the connecting pass. Her soccer intelligence and instinct belong in tournaments like the 2019 World Cup.
Unfortunately, Brian hasn’t been fit for years. Brian’s suffered from some sort of injury each season since 2015. This series of injuries lingered and kept her off the pitch. Since 2017 began, Brian has only played 19 games. For a player with 86 caps to her name, that’s a major red flag. But, Jill Ellis saw that Brian started in her three NWSL games in 2019. Clearly that was enough to put trust in Brian. If Brian can recapture her form and fitness from years prior, she will excel as a substitute.
The USWNT Midfield Needs Luck
In this tournament, Ellis went with what she knows. She kept her core structure in Horan, Ertz and Lavelle. And she made sure that Long and Morgan made the squad. But Jill Ellis is banking on a healthy roster. Lavelle, Long, and Brian each carry significant injury risks. Additionally, Ertz’ reckless (though incredibly needed to aid the defense) puts her in danger of hitting the sideline. If the USWNT want to succeed, their stars absolutely have to stay on the pitch. Putting rose-colored glasses on won’t keep them free of injury. Yes, the USWNT have many players, both defenders and forwards, that are versatile enough to play in the midfield. But Ellis’ lack of true, midfield depth is alarming. All USWNT fans can do now is hope for the best.
In a recent article on collegiate sports coaching, Kassandra Ramsey alerted us to the declining rate of female coaches in Division One basketball. Men substantially overshadow women in coaching. Unfortunately, it is much worse in professional sports. Additionally, head coaching positions are majority white-male dominated. In the NFL, this lack of divergence from the mean […]
_(cropped).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
