The biggest and longest FIFA Women's World Cup is upon us, and the US women's national team will be one of the favorites to be in the final on July 5 as they chase a record third title.
The chances are good the USWNT will at least make it to the semis: They're the only team ever to reach the semifinal stage of all six Women's World Cup editions, reaching the final on three occasions.
But it's the first time the USWNT are not the No. 1-ranked team in the sport heading into a World Cup. Germany currently occupy that spot. But the Red, White and Blue are poised for another deep run if they can overcome some nagging injury concerns.
Here’s what you need to know about the juggernaut that is the USWNT:
ROAD TO THE FINAL: The United States will need to play seven matches to get to the championship – that includes three group matches (vs. Australia, Sweden and Nigeria) and four elimination-round matches.
But it will be no easy task. If the Yanks finish second in Group D, they would have to travel across Canada to Moncton, where they would likely take on Brazil and potentially face Japan in the quarterfinals. The only time the US did not finish first in their group was in 2011, but they still made it to the final, losing to Japan on penalty kicks.
THE TEAM: Head coach Jill Ellis has a deep and experienced squad, averaging 103 caps per player. Fifteen players are US World Cup veterans.
But there are some World Cup rookies to keep an eye on:
- Sydney Leroux, FW – Powerful and tenacious forward, averaging the most goals in the fewest minutes of any player in USWNT history.
- Morgan Brian, MF – Just out of the University of Virginia, she's the youngest player on the team at age 22. Controls the central midfield with composure and sophistication.
- Julie Johnston, DF – Tough defender with a dominating presence in the air and has a sixth sense for positioning. She's proven she can also score.
- Christen Press, FW – Effective as either a midfielder and forward, the fast and versatile striker has the ability to finish from anywhere on the field.
TEAM SNAPSHOT: Now that you know some of the new faces, here's what you need to know about how the USWNT plays.
Goalkeeping: Despite a controversial suspension earlier this year, starter Hope Solo returned between the pipes to make 23 saves in the last eight matches while only allowing two goals.
Defending: The team is one of the strongest defensively, but needs to improve when it comes to stopping set plays. They have been known to get caught off guard in their own box.
Attacking:The USWNT always creates opportunities, but they need to finish more accurately and consistently and put their chances away earlier in matches. The USA's scoring success rides heavily on the playing time of Alex Morgan, who has not featured in 59 days due to injury.
The team still has many strong options up top – with Abby Wambach, Amy Rodriguez, Press and Leroux who can all make an immediate impact.
