Eighteen-year-old Alyssa Thompson has been selected as one of the 23 players for the United States team that will compete in the Women’s World Cup next month. Thompson, a rookie for Angel City in the National Women’s Soccer League, has impressed this season and joins veterans Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe on the roster.
The team, led by coach Vlatko Andonovski, aims to win a third consecutive World Cup title and believes in the quality of the squad and the support they have.
The roster also includes experienced players like defender Kelley O’Hara, who will make her fourth World Cup appearance. O’Hara will provide a veteran presence to strengthen the defense in the absence of team captain Becky Sauerbrunn, who won’t play due to a foot injury.
The tournament will take place in Australia and New Zealand, starting on July 20. The United States is in Group E with Vietnam, the Netherlands, and Portugal, and their first match will be against Vietnam on July 22.
Unfortunately, the team has been dealing with injuries leading up to the event. Forward Mallory Swanson, who had seven goals this year, will be absent due to a torn patella tendon. Catarina Macario and Sam Mewis are also unavailable due to injuries.
The roster features some young talent, including Sophia Smith, named the NWSL Most Valuable Player and U.S. Soccer Player of the Year for 2022 at just 22 years old. Trinity Rodman, daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, is another notable young player on the team.
Alyssa Thompson’s selection to the roster is particularly impressive as she is the second-youngest player ever named to a World Cup roster. She was called up to the team in April, taking the place of Mallory Swanson.
The team also includes midfielder Julie Ertz, who returned after a break for the birth of her son, and a surprise inclusion of 25-year-old Savannah DeMelo, who has yet to play in an international match. DeMelo’s strong performances in the NWSL earned her a spot on the roster.
Overall, the United States team is a mix of experienced players and promising young talents, aiming to defend their World Cup title with a strong and competitive squad.
