USWNT vs. Colombia Preview: What to Expect From This Roster

The USWNT vs Colombia friendlies are approaching. The USWNT is preparing for both Olympic and World Cup Qualification with their new-look roster, partly due to injury and partly due to young stars on the rise.

Vlatko Andonovski’s team will have two friendlies against Colombia, a team they met last year in similar circumstances. So it’s the perfect opportunity for some tune-up games before getting into major qualification. Let’s look at the new roster and break down what it means for the team going forward.

Roster

Goalkeepers: Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars).

Defenders: Alana Cook (OL Reign), Emily Fox (Racing Louisville), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Kelley O’Hara (Washington), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns), Emily Sonnett (Washington).

Midfielders: Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyonnais), Taylor Kornieck (San Diego), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (Gotham FC), Ashley Sanchez (Washington), Andi Sullivan (Washington).

Forwards: Ashley Hatch (Washington), Alex Morgan (San Diego), Midge Purce (Gotham FC), Mallory Pugh (Chicago), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Trinity Rodman (Washington), Sophia Smith (Portland).

Goalkeepers

Starting with the goalkeepers, those three names shouldn’t be much of a surprise. It would’ve been awesome to see Phallon Tullis-Joyce make the roster, but she’ll have to wait a little longer for that call. Alyssa Naeher is the clear No. 1, but Aubrey Kingsbury and Casey Murphy are also great in reserve. 

Defense

The biggest surprise defensively and in the best way possible was Naomi Girma, a rookie for the San Diego Wave. With injuries to Abby Dahlkemper and Tierna Davidson, Girma has her chance to prove she’s worthy of a starting spot for the USWNT down the line. Whether she starts in the games versus Colombia isn’t as important as the USWNT evaluating Girma’s progress. 

Midfield

In terms of the midfield, the other name that stands out is Taylor Kornieck. Not only is she a dominant aerial threat, but she’s proving that her technical quality is there as well. Again, this is well deserved, she’s developing strong chemistry with Alex Morgan, and that relationship might help her adjust to the USWNT a little faster.

Attack

When looking at the forwards, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Pugh are the three standouts who truly represent the future of the USWNT. It’s critical that they get used to developing chemistry and playing with each other now once the older generation is gone. All the other players not mentioned need no introduction and are established USWNT players or have at least been called into a USWNT camp. 

This slightly younger roster should not have much trouble with Colombia. Vlatko Andonovski and his staff will have a great opportunity to tinker with different formations and lineup combinations over the two games. Last year the USWNT beat Colombia by a combined score of 10-0, and we should expect something similar this time around. Colombia still isn’t a bad team by any stretch. The nation has a chance to show just how far they’ve come over the last year. Colombia is ranked 28th in the world, and Leicy Santos is their No. 10 who plays for Atletico Madrid in Spain. Their offense is sure to go through her. 

While the Colombians have their work cut out for them, the USWNT has a young roster that gives us a little glimpse into what the future starting XI could look like. Once the remaining players from the last golden generation retire (Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan), players like Ashley Sanchez, Taylor Kornieck, Trinity Rodman, Alana Cook, Naomi Girma, and Sophia Smith all have the potential to be every-game starters for the USWNT. The future is bright, to say the least, and seeing them together against Colombia will be a treat. 

Featured image via @USWNT on Instagram

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