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US Women’s National Team Olympics Roster Forecast
Following an impressive performance at the SheBelieves Cup, the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) is gearing up for the Olympics under the guidance of head coach Emma Hayes. With just four games under her belt before the Olympics, Hayes faces the challenge of integrating her style and selecting the players who can lead the team to gold. As she steps onto the sidelines after a six-month wait, Hayes enters a period of formal transition unprecedented in the history of the U.S. women’s program.
Player Pool Uncertainty
The absence of Hayes during her duties at Chelsea has brought uncertainty to the US player pool. Collaborating with interim coach Twila Kilgore, Hayes is evaluating potential Olympic roster selections. As Kilgore wraps up her duties, speculations arise about the final roster composition. Evaluating the current form and performance of players is crucial in shaping the Olympic squad.
USWNT Big Board Analysis
The 2024 USWNT Big Board provides insights into the potential Olympic roster. Organized into four tiers – Locks, In the Squad, On the Bubble, and Longshots – the Big Board assesses players across different positions. From goalkeepers to strikers, each category reflects the player’s current standing based on form, fitness, and performance.
Goalkeepers
- Lock: Alyssa Naeher
- In the squad: Casey Murphy
- On the bubble: Jane Campbell, Aubrey Kingsbury
- Longshot: Adrianna Franch, Katie Lund
Alyssa Naeher’s stellar performance in the Concacaf W Gold Cup solidifies her position as the USWNT’s first-choice goalkeeper. With Casey Murphy as a dependable backup, the third goalkeeper spot remains a point of contention between Jane Campbell and Aubrey Kingsbury. The competition for this role underscores the team’s depth and quality between the posts.
Fullbacks
- Locks: Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox
- In the squad: Jenna Nighswonger
- On the bubble: Casey Krueger
- Longshots: Eva Gaetino, Kelley O’Hara, Sofia Huerta, M.A. Vignola, Gisele Thompson
The USWNT’s full-back depth presents a challenge, with players adapting to new roles and responsibilities. Jenna Nighswonger’s rapid rise from a rookie to a potential Olympic squad member showcases her versatility and adaptability. Competing against veterans like Casey Krueger, Nighswonger’s impact on the field has positioned her as a strong contender for a spot on the roster.
Centerbacks
- Locks: Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson
- In the squad: Abby Dahlkemper
- On the bubble: Becky Sauerbrunn, Alana Cook
- Longshot: Sarah Gorden, Sam Staab
Naomi Girma’s emergence as a standout defender for the USWNT signals a promising future for the team’s backline. Alongside Tierna Davidson, the defensive partnership showcases solidity and reliability. With Abby Dahlkemper’s resurgence after overcoming injuries, the center-back position is shaping up with a mix of experience and talent.
Midfielders
- Locks: Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Horan
- In the squad: Sam Coffey, Korbin Albert
- On the bubble: Emily Sonnett, Olivia Moultrie, Savannah DeMelo, Ashley Sanchez
- Longshot: Lily Yohannes, Kristie Mewis, Andi Sullivan, Jaelin Howell, Vanessa DiBernardo
Midfield depth poses a selection dilemma for the USWNT, with players like Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Horan leading the midfield charge. The combination of Sam Coffey and Korbin Albert as a double pivot highlights the team’s versatility and tactical adaptability. The competition for midfield spots underscores the team’s rich talent pool and potential lineup variations.
Wingers
- Locks: Jaedyn Shaw, Trinity Rodman
- In the squad: Mallory Swanson
- On the bubble: Lynn Williams, Alyssa Thompson
- Longshot: Morgan Weaver
With Jaedyn Shaw and Trinity Rodman leading the wing positions, the USWNT boasts dynamic attacking options. Mallory Swanson’s return to form adds depth and quality to the team’s attacking lineup. The competition among wingers signifies the team’s offensive strength and the challenging decisions ahead for the coaching staff.
Strikers
- Locks: Alex Morgan, Sophia Smith
- In the squad: Catarina Macario
- On the bubble: Ashley Hatch
- Longshot: None
Alex Morgan’s resurgence as the team’s leading striker positions her as a key player in the Olympic squad. Sophia Smith’s contribution adds depth and versatility to the attacking lineup. The return of Catarina Macario introduces a new dimension to the team’s attacking options, presenting a selection dilemma for the coaching staff.
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