6 Players Who Could Earn a USWNT Spot During the Next Cycle

July 7, 2021
By Kayleigh Toney

The Olympics mark the end of a cycle for the United States Women’s National Team. The end of cycles usually brings about retirement and turnover within the team, allowing the insertion of youth and new faces into the fold. There’s no saying with certainty what the USWNT will look like the next time the World Cup rolls around, but here are some faces we wouldn’t be surprised to see in the Stars and Stripes.

Carson Pickett

Carson Pickett might be one of the best players in the NWSL right now. Her move to the North Carolina Courage has been extremely successful for her and the club. She’s been able to lock down the outside defensively while also being a huge part of the NC offense. In the 2021 regular season, she has a 79% passing accuracy, 11 successful crosses, 21 key passes, and three assists. Pickett has also played every minute for the Courage in the regular season.

Trinity Rodman

Rodman had a ton of hype surrounding her name after forgoing college for the NWSL, but she’s lived up to that hype so far with the Washington Spirit. She’s no stranger to the U.S. Soccer landscape, as she was part of the U-20 youth national team for a bit. In 11 games, nine of which were starts, she’s got a 71.7% passing success rate, three assists, three goals, and 21 key passes. The youngster is tenacious in front of goal and could find herself on the USWNT frontline in the future.

Phoebe McClernon

The Orlando Pride have found success this season, and a part of that is their defense, a defense that Phoebe McClernon helps to cement. The USWNT back line could look a lot different in the next cycle, and the youngster McClernon could find herself on it if she continues her form. Her statistics with the Orlando Pride are impressive through her 12 starts with the team between the 2021 Challenge Cup and the regular season. The Virginia alum has a tackle and passing success rate of 70%, 48 clearances, 25 interceptions, 11 blocks, five key passes, and one assist.

Morgan Gautrat

Gautrat (formerly Brian) is no stranger to the senior national team; she’s a two-time World Cup Winner and an Olympian. Unfortunately for the midfielder, she struggled with injuries after the 2016 Olympics and was unable to work her way back into the fold. Now that she’s healthy she has become one of the best players for the Chicago Red Stars. Defensively, she’s been able to control the midfield and shut down chances. She’s also been key to Chicago creating chances offensively.

Simone Charley

Charley has been great for the Portland Thorns in 2021. The USWNT frontline will see a lot of changes in the next cycle, so Charley could get a look if she keeps up her good form. So far this season, she’s got three goals and has played in every game for the Thorns. She’s been able to add a different look for Portland and has been successful in creating chances up top.

Mallory Pugh

Mallory Pugh burst onto the scene in 2016 as the future of the USWNT. She shirked college in favor of turning pro (something that is becoming more common with each year but was an anomaly when she did it) and has unfortunately struggled in the years since. She was clearly a favorite under former coach Jill Ellis, but because of various injuries and setbacks, she hasn’t really had the chance to prove herself under Vlatko Andonovski. However, she’s been showing fans the old Mal Pugh is back this season with the Chicago Red Stars. The Red Stars have struggled so far this season, but Pugh has been a bright spot in the attack. Don’t be surprised if in the next year or two, she’s back in the red, white, and blue.

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