7 New and Veteran NWSL Players That Deserve USWNT Call-Ups
Talent is practically overflowing in the NWSL; the U.S. could put forward two national teams and still be high-performing. From new faces in the league to veteran players, here are seven talented NWSL players who deserve a look from the USWNT.
Sarah Gordon (Angel City FC)
The conversation has surrounded defender Sarah Gordon for quite some time now. Becki Tweed said, “The fact that she hasn’t played on the national team is something that I can’t quite wrap my head around.” Gordon continues to be ranked as one of the best defenders in the league, earning her spot in the 2021, 2023, and 2024 NWSL’s Best XI. She’s a consistent player with tactical awareness, speed, and grit. Gordon went to USWNT camps in 2019 and 2020. So, it’s only a matter of time before she receives a call to the national team.
Morgan Weaver (Portland Thorns)
Weaver’s dynamic attacking play and consistency on the field have made her a fan favorite in Portland. As one of the top scorers for the Thorns, she was ranked by Fansided as statistically one of the top players in the NWSL in 2023 for her goal contributions and assists, as well as her shot-creating actions and key passes. While she got two caps in 2021 in Australia, she is still waiting for her USWNT call-up.
Savy King (Bay FC)
After playing as a star center back at UNC and being drafted second overall by Bay FC in 2024, fullback Savy King has already made her name as an elite defender. She was co-captain for the national U-20 team, helping the U.S. qualify for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. At 19 years old, she still has plenty of time for the call-up, but it likely won’t be long before we see her with the USWNT.
Caprice Dydasco (Bay FC)
Bay FC’s right-back, Caprice Dydasco, is known for her attacking, speed, and consistency as a defender. She was a starter for the U-17 national team and has yet to receive a senior USWNT call-up. “A highly technical and intelligent footballer, Caprice’s ability to impact play in the final third and create goalscoring opportunities make her one of the most exciting and productive attacking fullbacks in the league,” said Lucy Rushton, General Manager of Bay FC in the announcement of her signing.
Mandy Haught (Utah Royals)
Mandy Haught is consistently ranked as one of the league’s best goalkeepers alongside legend Alyssa Naeher. Everybody Soccer, using a combination of statistics, such as individual level of play, named Haught as third overall out of the top 100. Women’s Sports Exchange states, “Part of her role is to be a playmaker, with or without the ball. For her, the image of a playmaking goalkeeper involves breaking lines, having high impact, and high percentage passes to enable the team to get further down the field.”
Vanessa DiBernardo (Kansas City Current)
NWSL veteran midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo has long been a topic of conversation regarding the USWNT. She joined the Kansas City Current as a free agent in 2023 and has been an important contributor to the team. The midfielder also made history as the first-ever goal-scorer at the newly built CPKC Stadium. She was a United States national under-20 team member that won the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Plus, she holds multiple club records with her previous team, the Chicago Red Stars, for minutes played, games played, and assists.
Lo’eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current)
Celly queen and midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta holds records for games played, games started, minutes played, penalty goals, and fouls won. She is a key playmaker for the team and has scored the second-most goals in club history. “She’s a grinder, hard worker, no-nonsense,” said Current head coach Vlatko Andonovski. She will likely soon see her spot on the USWNT.
Featured image via @sarahlgorden on Instagram
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