The women’s national team open their World Cup on Monday night against Australia. The Americans are among the favorites in the 24-team competition, but have not won the event since 1999.
Here is a predicted Starting XI for the US for Monday’s Women’s World Cup opener:
Keeper
Hope Solo: The best keeper on the planet when she’s staying on point, she saved the Algarve Cup win last March and will have to be at her best.
Defenders
MeghanKlingenberg: A high-energy left back who gets into the attack — and not just because she has a black belt in Taekwondo.
Christie Rampone: The captain turns 40 during this tournament and is the only U.S. holdover from the winning 1999 team.
BeckySauerbrunn: The cerebral centerback plays wiser than her years and will team up in the middle with Rampone in a solid tandem.
Ali Krieger: Veteran defender likely to start at right back, played a key role in the run to the finals four years ago.
Midfield
Lauren Holiday: Wife of NBA player Jrue Holiday, she will have to hold down the central midfield role and come up big defensively.
Heather O’Reilly: The East Brunswick (NJ) native will have to hold off a stiff challenge from speedy youngster Christen Press on the right wing.
Megan Rapinoe: Outspoken, socially aware veteran can play either flank and go at it with style. She likely will swing in crosses from the left.
Carli Lloyd: The Jersey girl can play just about anywhere in the midfield and add a goal as well. She’s moved inside as Shannon Boxx plays less.
Forwards
Abby Wambach: She has scored 77 of her world-record 182 goals off her head, and in her last shot at a World Cup aims to add a few more.
Sydney Leroux: Born in Canada but opting to play for the US, she’ll be public enemy No. 1 in her return and could use that to fuel her with her January foot injury healed. Alex Morgan (bone bruise) is an option.
