Editor-in-Chief
The 2019 Women's World Cup has kicked off! The United States enters the Women's World Cup as the defending champion, the No. 1 ranked team, and the favorite to win the title once again. The National Team has begun its quest for its fourth Women's World Cup title with a match against Thailand on Tuesday. The last time the team played in the World Cup was in 2015 when they faced off against their rival Japan. The 2015 World Cup final was a rematch from 2011 in which Japan took home the cup after a defeat of the United States in a penalty shoot-out following a 2–2 a tie at the end of regulation. However, the women’s team rallied and crushed Japan 5-2 in the 2015 World Cup Final earning them their third title.
Although, times have changed over the past four years with the women's national team.
When the U.S entered the World Cup in 2015 they had Abby Wambach (F), Hope Solo (GK), Sydney Leroux (F), and Christie Rampone (D) all of them are astonishing soccer players that have since left the team.
Nevertheless, the women's team still has 2015 World Cup veterans such as Carli Loyd (M), Megan Rapinoe (M), Alex Morgan, and Tobin Heath (F) as they enter the 2019 Cup. In addition, the team has welcomed a new generation of amazingly talented players such as Rose Lavelle (M), Crystal Dunn (D), Mallory Pugh (F), and Sam Mewis (D) that are sure to make a lasting impact on the team’s future.
Over the years, the U.S Women’s national team has increased their level of play with the help of there returning coach Jill Ellis. The USA is no longer the only nation with a well-funded national team and well-run domestic league, but Ellis continues to work her team harder than ever. After a devastating defeat at the Rio Olympics, the team needed to reevaluate their play in order to regain their number one ranking. Overall, the Women’s team is one to look out for as they attempt to earn another World Cup with a young yet highly skilled team.
