USWNT: Analyzing 20-player Olympic qualification roster
By Daniel Garza
The USWNT 20-player Olympic qualifying roster was named. Find out who made the team sheet and what it means for the beginning of the Vlatko Andonovski era.
Olympic qualifying is right around the corner for the United States Women’s National Team. The tournament is set to begin on Jan. 28th for the CONCACAF region. With the upcoming competition looming, the final 20-player roster was named.
There are very few changes to the team that won the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Only two players on the roster were not a part of the winning team from last year.
Here is the full 20-player roster named by new manager Vlatko Andonovski.
Goalkeepers
Adrianna French, Ashlyn Harris, Alyssa Naeher
Defenders
Abby Dahlkemper, Crystal Dunn, Ali Krieger, Kelley O’Hara, Becky Sauerbrunn, Emily Sonnett
Midfielders
Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Samantha Mewis, Andi Sullivan
Forwards
Tobin Heath, Carli Lloyd, Jessica McDonald, Christen Press, Megan Rapinoe, Lynn Williams
As mentioned, two players on the team sheet were not named to the World Cup squad. Those players are forward Lynn Williams of the North Carolina Courage and midfielder Andi Sullivan of the Washington Spirit. This is a big opportunity for both to show they belong on the final roster, should the U.S. qualify for the Olympic Games.
Williams’ selection makes complete sense after scoring 12 goals in the 2019 National Women’s Soccer League season. She also led the league in shots with 86. It could be a big tournament for the striker if she is provided with playing time.
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Those named to the roster cannot afford to disappoint their new manager as the Olympic roster is capped at 20 players. This is different from the World Cup roster limit which is 23 players. With the depth of talent in the U.S. player pool, it will be important for those selected to impress and show good form. This will not only be important at the qualifying tournament but also when the domestic season starts.
One notable player who is not on the roster is forward Alex Morgan. The USWNT star has stated she still plans on playing in the Olympics as she is expecting her first child. As a result, one of the forwards on the roster for this tournament will likely not be heading to Tokyo. It will be surprising if Morgan was displaced for any, no matter how talented they may be.
The rest of the roster is made up of the usual suspects. Reigning FIFA Women’s Player of the Year Megan Rapinoe will look to put on a dominant performance after an incredible 2019. Veteran Carli Lloyd is approaching 300 career appearances for the USWNT and this competition should allow her to get closer to the incredible achievement.
Next. USWNT: Team of the Decade. dark
Qualifying for the Olympics has never been a problem for the USWNT. In fact, they have never lost a qualifying match in the team’s history. This year shouldn’t be any different and the roster chosen is sure to send the Americans to Japan this summer.