Source-Full 20-player USWNT Olympic qualifying roster: Goalkeepers: Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars) and Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC).
Defenders: Jaelene Hinkle (Western New York Flash), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Kelley O'Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City) and Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC).
Midfielders: Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash) and Samantha Mewis (Western New York Flash).
Forwards: Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Stephanie McCaffrey (Boston Breakers), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars) and Mallory Pugh (Real Colorado).
At first glance I didn't even realize Heather O'Reilly was left off the roster. Just sort of assumed she'd be there. I mean she took the captain's armband against Ireland a few days ago after Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd were subbed off. Unless that was a some sort of symbolic gesture by Ellis, as if to say "This is her last ride until after the qualifiers/Olympics, honor her."
It's kind of a head-scratcher to. No one has more experience than HAO. 228 caps which are 7th-most in team history. With some young faces they could use someone like her, even if she doesn't play a ton. She is one of the fittest and most energetic players win the pool, and still has a lot to give at age 31.
And the thing is the midfield is a little shallow. Lloyd and Brian will definitely start. Heath and Dunn, listed as a forward, will likely start at wide midfield, but after that it's thin. O'Reilly would be a great Super Sub on the flanks. Heath is the only true wide midfielder on the roster, with Dunn able to play there and at forward. Same goes for McCaffrey, and to some extent Press, though she's proven that she needs to be played at forward to have a true impact. With three players able to play anywhere up front in addition to having Alex Morgan as another striker, I think O'Reilly would have been a smart inclusion. Mal Pugh is the team's wonder kid. She got her first cap and goal against Ireland. But she's still raw and expendable with four other players (Morgan, Press, McCaffrey and Dunn) able to play her spots (forward and wing).I just think, should anything like an injury happen during the tournament, having someone like O'Reilly is beneficial. With the versatility the team has, I'd rather take HAO and her experience.
On Engen, I guess that was more predictable, but I'd still like to see her there. In my mind she's a top-tier defender that has been buried under other world-class defenders. She's a steady constant. You know what you'll get form her. Jaelene Hinkle was iffy in her extended play time the past few months. Krueger and Kling will obviously start, with O'Hara able to play other of those spots as well, so you're covered should anything happen or they need a rest. Sauerbrunn and Johsnton are both able to play defensive midfield as well as cents back, though they may have been promised to be kept out of that spot, which is why I think Sonnett is there. She can play any of those positions. Hinkle benefits form being one of four fullbacks in camp.
My changes would have been: drop Pugh and Hinkle, add Engen and HAO.
Starting XI with possible subs, or who could start over them.
Starting XI with possible subs, or who could start over them.
Things are subject to change after qualifiers in terms of form, injuries and the fact the roster has to go from 20 to 18, so once the actual 18-player Olympic roster comes out we can evaluate that and look at alternates.
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