USWNT: Analyzing the Tournament of Nations roster

The Tournament of Nations is back for a 2018 edition and the United States Women’s National Team will look to stay unbeaten this year by capturing the title. Here is an analysis of the USWNT roster.

With the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup only a year away, the preparations for the upcoming competition are underway and the 2018 Tournament of Nations will signal the beginning of the road to France for many countries.

The United States Women’s National Team are the defending champions of the tournament and, having gone undefeated in 2018 thus far, the pressure will be on to repeat as winners.

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The week-long competition will give the USWNT quality competition, including a rematch of the 2015 FIFA World Cup final with Japan on Thursday, July 26th. Following the match against Japan, Australia and Brazil will await.

As mentioned, with the World Cup only a year away, the USWNT will look to qualify at the CONCACAF Championship in October. This tournament should give the coaching staff a better look at who will be on that roster in the fall. Chances will be few and far between to impress on the international level following the Tournament of Nations this year.

A total of 23 players were named to the roster. Here’s who was selected.

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Goalkeepers 

Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns); Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride); Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

Defenders 

Abby Dahlkemper (North Carolina Courage); Tierna Davidson (Stanford); Merritt Mathias (North Carolina Courage); Becky Sauerbrunn (Utah Royals); Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars); Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns)

Midfielders 

Morgan Brian (Chicago Red Stars); Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars); Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns); Rose Lavelle (Washington Spirit); Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue); Samantha Mewis (North Carolina Courage); Allie Long (Seattle Reign); McCall Zerboni (North Carolina Courage)

Forwards 

Crystal Dunn (North Carolina Courage); Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns); Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride); Christen Press (Utah Royals); Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign); Amy Rodriguez (Utah Royals)

Analysis

• The backline will be largely inexperienced with all but two players having more than 20 international appearances. Sauerbrunn will anchor the defense as the veteran seems a sure bet to lead the way defensively in France next summer.
• Christen Press was named to the roster after making her return stateside following a brief stint in Sweden. Now a member of the Utah Royals, the forward will be looking to signal here return with a goal.
• The USWNT forwards are the most experienced core group of players. All of the usual suspects are on the team sheet including Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Tobin Heath.
• Carli Llyod will be the most capped player on the roster and will be a key component of the midfield. Lindsey Horan, who is tied for the golden boot in NWSL, will be a key player to watch.

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As stated, the build-up to the World Cup is now in full swing. With competition for places steep, the Tournament of Nations will be another stepping stone for many players to securing their place on the plane next summer. The race begins now.