Prediction: The USWNT Wins the 2024 Olympics
Even though the USWNT suffered a disappointing loss in the 2023 World Cup, according to betus.com, they are the favorites to win the 2024 Summer Olympics taking place in Paris in a few days.
I made this bet right after they lost in the World Cup.
I’m even more confident after seeing Emma Haye’s roster a few weeks ago.
Let’s start with the strikers
Sophia Smith
Mallory Swanson
Trinity Rodman
Jaedyn Shaw
Crystal Dunn
Mal and Sophia are the best in the business. I believe one of the reasons the US didn’t win the 2023 World Cup was because of Mal's unfortunate injury a few months before.
There was a little concern if she’d be the same player after her return. Before her injury she was averaging a goal a game for several months.
Lucky for us, it seems like Mal is back in full force!
Sohpia continues to prove she’s one of the best. She didn’t have the World Cup many were hoping for. But that was her first time playing on that big of a stage. And, I think the team wasn’t set up to win around her.
Regardless, those two taking the lead with Trinity and Jaedyn playing alongside them is a nightmare for any defense. I don’t know of another team that has 4 all star strikers like this.
Both Trinity and Jaedyn continue to progress at a rapid pace for their age. Their future is bright.
I’m kinda shocked Crystal Dunn is the last striker selection. Specifically over Alex Morgan or Lynn Williams. I would have gone with one of these two over Crystal.
She’s not a bad player by any means. I just think she’s more defensive.
I suspect her play time will be limited compared to Sophia, Mal, Trinity, and Jaedyn.
No Alex?!
Let’s get it out the way.
I was initially surprised to not see Alex on the roster. Especially since Crystal was selected. That’s what’s most confusing about this.
Unless it’s the fact that Crystal can also play defense? So in case of a defensive emergency you have a vet like Crystal you can put back there. But why not just have her as one of the defenders then?
Regardless, I don’t think Alex deserves to play over Sophia, Mal, Trinity, or Jaedyn.
I do think Alex would have been a great leader to have on the bench.
This is the first Olympic tournament for some of these players. I think Alex would have been a good voice off field and in the locker room.
That said, I (unfortunately) think it’s time the US wins a major tournament without Alex Morgan.
The Midfield
Lindsey Horan
Rose Lavelle
Sam Coffey
Korbin Albert
Assuming Emma sticks with a 4-3-3 formation, the starting midfield has to be Lindsey, Rose, and Sam.
I thought Catarina would’ve potentially started over Sam. Or took over the starting spot by the end of the tournament. But unfortunately she’ll miss another major tournament for the US.
I’m not impressed with Korbin. I think the three I mentioned above are better all around players. I hope she plays a supporting role.
Lindsey and Rose are two of the best midfielders in the world.
There’s no one as dominant across the board as Lindsey. She’s the anchor of this team.
And there’s no one more fluid and creative on the ball than Rose. Rose is a problem when she is dribbling at you at pace. Not many can handle the ball like she can. She can beat you 1v1 or slot it through to 3 strikers that are likely to be amongst the fastest on the field.
The Defense
Naomi Girma
Jenna Nighswonger
Emily Fox
Emily Sonnett
Tierna Davidson
Casey Krueger
Unfortunately I think this is where the US is most vulnerable. We lost a lot of veteran talent in this department recently.
Naomi will run the back. There’s no doubt about her.
Jenna has proven to be a workhorse with a lot of talent and has earned a starting spot. I became a big fan of Jenna during the She Believe’s Cup and Women’s Gold Cup.
Fox will likely be the other outside back. She seems to have that spot on lock.
I’m not sure who will run alongside Naomi in the middle. I’d like to say Sonnett. But I would be a little surprised if she gets the start.
Naomi and Sonnett could be a new (and different) version of Becky Sauerbrunn and Julie Ertz.
Goalies
Alyssa Naeher is a beast. Enough said.
US Brings Home the Gold
This is big for the USWNT. I think there’s a lot on the line for them.
Coming off a disappointing result in the 2023 World Cup.
Emma Hayes first major tournament with the team. The expectation is for her to win.
Alex Morgan being left off the roster.
I think the team and Emma want to make a statement at the Olympics.
They want to prove they’re still the best.
I think they do it.