USWNT World Cup Roster Released: Who Made the Cut?

The wait is finally over. The moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived. The quest for five stars starts here, with the USWNT releasing who will represent our country at the World Cup. 

USWNT Roster Breakdown

𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄!

We asked a few friends to help with this year’s World Cup roster announcement 🤩

Visit https://t.co/sLCJ8RhiOx for full details 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/TckXmhgQyy

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 21, 2023

GOALKEEPERS: Aubrey Kingsbury, Alyssa Naeher, Casey Murphy

DEFENDERS: Alana Cook, Emily Sonnett, Sofia Huerta, Kelly O’Hara, Naomi Girma, Emily Fox, Crystal Dunn

MIDFIELDERS: Rose Lavelle, Megan Rapinoe, Andi Sullivan, Lindsey Horan, Savannah DeMelo, Julie Ertz, Kristie Mewis, Ashley Sanchez

FORWARDS: Alex Morgan, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Alyssa Thompson, Lynn Williams

Before we get into the surprises and snubs, can we talk about that video for a second? While having so many celebrities is cool and all, maybe some type of visual cues would be helpful. Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles QB, just says Ashley, basically making us guess whether it’s Ashley Hatch or Ashley Sanchez who made the roster. To make things easier, go to ussoccer.com if you want to see the players’ pictures.

Let’s start with the surprises. Aubrey Kingsbury as a keeper getting in is a big deal over Adrianna Franch; it is great to see new players get a chance, although we likely won’t see her play as the third-string keeper. Sofia Huerta was the most likely replacement for Becky Sauerbrunn because of her experience with the national team. 

Tierna Davidson still wasn’t able to make her way back, which means Alana Cook, Emily Sonnett, and Naomi Girma will be the three center backs, with one of the other defenders having to adjust to possibly playing in the middle. Savannah DeMelo earned her spot on this roster, and it’s great to see her make the cut. It seems like Taylor Kornieck missed out due to DeMelo getting in. There was a small question mark with Megan Rapinoe’s status, but obviously, that wasn’t going to be enough to stop her from making another World Cup roster. 

At striker, we’d all been wondering who would replace Mallory Swanson, and it seems that spot went to Alyssa Thompson and Lynn Williams. Both wholeheartedly deserve this spot based on their play in the NWSL, and it’s clear that Vlatko Andonovski wants to use their speed to the team’s advantage. The player that sadly didn’t make the cut, as a result, was Ashley Hatch. It’s gotta hurt because she’d made every single USWNT roster leading up to this World Cup. 

Lastly, to see Julie Ertz get in when her status was up in the air for most of the year is a huge deal. Filling the No. 6 spot has been an issue, and opposing teams have been able to exploit that. Hopefully, having Julie Ertz play in her usual role will give the team the strength they need in the heart of the midfield. 

Based on this roster, teams must be wary of the USWNT’s pace on the wings, with both the wingers and defenders. Alex Morgan up front will be the centerpiece of the offense to try and get service to, which is where players like Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Megan Rapinoe, and Sofia Huerta could come into play. It’s a strong roster with a nice mix of veterans who have been there before and some young talent getting their chance to shine. The stage is set, and the USWNT have more than enough firepower to repeat as world champs and earn their fifth star over the crest. 

Featured image via @USWNT on Twitter

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