8 Promising USYNT Players Moving Up the Ranks This Year
The United States Women’s National team will be putting in work at the W Gold Cup and the SheBelieves Cup before the Olympics this summer. With each professional player back at the start of a new season and many with a new home, it is exciting to see the first-time players enter the professional world and the incredible talent returning to their successful college teams. Here is a look at eight players that have been staples to the USYNT and could eventually get the senior WNT call-up.
1. Ally Sentnor
View this post on Instagram
Ally Sentnor has just begun her training in Utah with the Utah Royals. The first overall draft pick is additionally on the U-20 Youth Women’s National Team roster for the 2024 World Cup. She has been a consistent member of the youth national team and has made a name for herself at the University of North Carolina during her three seasons there and signed an NIL Deal with Nike.
Sentnor has been a promising player since her youth soccer days, so seeing her step out onto the field for the Utah Royals will be exciting.
2. Gisele Thompson
View this post on Instagram
Gisele Thompson, a current senior in high school, has recently signed to continue playing in her hometown of Angel City. Thompson grew up playing as a defender for the Youth National Team. As she continues her soccer career, she will play alongside her sister for Angel City, Alyssa Thompson, who made the USWNT World Cup roster last year.
It would be fascinating to see these two complement each other on the international field. Gisele Thompson holds an incredible range of versatility and speed that makes her a strong outside back. She recently was called into the USWNT camp as a practice and alternate player.
3. Savy King
View this post on Instagram
Savy King is the second overall draft pick from the NWSL season. The defender played alongside Ally Sentnor for one season with UNC before deciding to play professionally with Bay FC. Savy King will likely play in the U-20 World Cup this summer with the USYNT.
4. Riley Jackson
View this post on Instagram
Riley Jackson, the 17-year-old star, signed with the North Carolina Courage last year. Jackson was featured as Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2022. The midfielder has been a consistent asset to the USYNT and will be a crucial part of the United States lineup this summer at the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
5. Teagan Wy
View this post on Instagram
The University of California, Berkeley goalkeeper has been a goalkeeper for the United States Youth National Team since the U-14 level. Wy has spent time training with the San Diego Wave in her off-season. It has been impressive to watch Wy’s sustained position as goalkeeper, and it will be interesting to see her continuously work her way up.
6. Elise Evans
View this post on Instagram
Evans is the center defender for Stanford, who was runner-up in the most recent NCAA championship. Elise Evans has been recognized for her defensive strength and-being named Freshman of the Year in 2022, but has also proven a talent for goal-scoring game-winning goals. Evans is a current member of the USYNT and will be playing in the U-20 World Cup this summer.
7. Ally Lemos
View this post on Instagram
The UCLA midfielder has helped lead UCLA to success in her two competitive seasons with the team. In recent times, Lemos has signed to play with Orlando Pride this upcoming 2024 season. She was nominated for best goal when she was featured at the ESPYs. It will be exciting to see Lemos this summer playing in the U-20 Women’s World Cup, but she could get a look from the senior team later on in the year if she performs well.
8. Melanie Barcenas
View this post on Instagram
The 16-year-old soccer star has been playing professionally with the San Diego Wave for the past year. Barcenas is playing with the U-17 USYNT in the CONCACAF championship and is showing a ton of promise. She is signed with NIKE and represents them as an impactful midfielder on the professional stage. Barcenas’ growth as a player over the past year is astounding. Her work could surely pay off with a senior WNT call-up.
Featured image via Getty Images
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS
Girls Soccer Network
Your source for girls soccer news
