We think of the 2019 USWNT as more youthful than the veteran-laden 2015 squad. It's true we had fewer old outliers like Rampone, Boxx, Wambach. But average age was about equal. There will be high turnover after the Olympics and before 2023. I expect the following players will be gone (though several could prove me wrong): Naeher, Harris, Sauerbrunn, Krieger, O'Hara, Long, Press, Rapinoe, Heath, McDonald, Lloyd. That's almost half the roster. I think a pool of 40-50 players is reasonable to build for 2023. There is a backlog of NWSL talent that hasn't gotten much love from Jill Ellis. This is the demographic I'm most familiar with. I know a few youth team standouts but beyond them my knowledge is limited. The U-20 World Cup next year will be revealing. Possible player pool below, with 2023 ages in parentheses. Goalkeepers Alyssa Naeher (35) Adrianna Franch (32) Aubrey Bledsoe (31) Jane Campbell (28) Casey Murphy (27) Defenders Abby Dahlkemper (30) Tierna Davidson (24) Emily Sonnett (29) Crystal Dunn (31) Casey Short (32) Emily Menges (30) Megan Oyster (30) Arin Wright (30) Jaelene Hinkle (30) Sam Staab (26) Julia Ashley (26) Kaleigh Riehl (26) Tegan McGrady (25) Emily Fox (24) Kiara Pickett (24) Midfielders Julie Ertz (31) Sam Mewis (30) Rose Lavelle (28) Morgan Brian (30) Andi Sullivan (27) Danielle Colaprico (30) Sofia Huerta (30) Dani Weatherholt (29) Morgan Andrews (28) Midge Purce (27) Haley Hanson (27) Jordan DiBiasi (26) Savannah DeMelo (25) Brianna Pinto (23) Jaelin Howell (23) Olivia Moultrie (17) Forwards Alex Morgan (33) Lindsey Horan (29) Mallory Pugh (25) Lynn Williams (30) Kealia Ohai (31) Savannah McCaskill (26) Ashley Hatch (28) Hailie Mace (26) Ashley Sanchez (24) Sophia Smith (22)
In spite of the fact that I do not think that she is the best keeper to develop going forward I see no reason that Naeher would not be available in 2023. For a goalkeeper she will be no worse than at the top end of her prime (she will be what 35-37 ? ) and, in spite of what I see as her weaknesses, she clearly is not phased by pressure and her added experience would be a HUGE asset. I think for this debate to be of any real interest Naeher must be included in the debate.
I highly doubt Morgan's playing style could let her keep to 33. Really hope Morgan Brian could pick up her form.
Agree. Edited the original post to include Naeher. I think there's enough talent behind her that it's unlikely she is the starter again. But she had a solid tournament and should not be cast aside yet.
No, most of the old keepers could not stay on stop in their 35+, and Naeher is not a tall keeper. I really hope to see a young squad in 2023.
It will be really interesting to see what happens with the forward line. Some current players will almost certainly be out of the picture (Rapinoe, Lloyd), but who knows whether Morgan, Press, and Heath will be going strong in four years. If all or most of these players retired or ineffective, Ellis (or whomever is in the seat) will have some hard decisions to make. Does the mantle pass to established pros like Williams, Hatch, McCaskill, and Ohai? Has the window snapped shut for them, with up-and-coming college and youth players stepping into frame? Do we change formation, to better accommodate our glut of terrific midfielders?
Personally I’d be really sad if Ertz, Mewis and Sauerbrunn were to retire - okay Becky’s an inevitable one but I’ve always been a fan of Ertz and became a fan of Sam Mewis this tournament Question is if what if Rapinoe, Morgan and Heath want to continue, what will Ellis do then? Give them a place on the bench as with Lloyd?
You know, this takes care of itself in camps-- some people lose their spots to younger players who outplay them, and others outplay younger ones and hold their spots. It does and should sort itself out by quality of play, not fiat or fan or coach boredom. (Assuming of course that nobody makes a hobby of driving drunk or fist fights with family members...)
Crystal did very well at LB this tournament, but I'd love to see her get a chance to get back up the field. And, just because, Sydney will be 33.
Does Morgan Brian still have chance to make a comeback? She said she had fought hard with injury in the past 2 years to get into the squad. She will only be 30 in 2023.
Mr. Connelly of ESpiN has certainty sat up and took notice of the Greatest Team in the Universe in the past couple days. https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-wo...is-taking-shape-for-the-2023-womens-world-cup - - No one on either the men's or women's side, however, has ever pulled off a three-peat. Can the USWNT become the first? - - is he trying to be intriguing, is he serious, is he trying to be funny?????? A topic that has been beaten to death but kinda interesting graph format. The location of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Host is set to be announced on June 25th. https://www.fifa.com/who-we-are/new...23tm-council-to-select-host-s-on-25-june-2020 As I count on my fingers and toes that's six days from today.
So no love for college kids like Picket, Fox, Girma, Kornieck. Kim, Macario or Spaanstra? or tweens Ballard & Moultrie(should 17 by 2023) meantime #2 Germany 8 out of their 26 roster are 22 years & younger/started 3 teens in their recent win over England at Wembley
The ESPN guys math seems a little off. Hailie Mace and Alana Cook will be over 31 by the 23 World Cup? I don't think so. Kristie Mewis is still in the mix for the National team? I doubt that-- although who would have thought Allie Long would make the team and Ali Krieger would return? I can think of two goalies who I think are more worthy candidates for the national team than Jane Cambell: Bledsoe and Murphy Who's going to score goals for us in 2023? Most of our forwards may be ready for the rocking chair by then.
53137658 Wasn't sure where to put this. Japan drops its bid for the 2023 Cup leaving Australia and Colombia.
Aussie aussie aussie oi oi oi https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/ne...nd-joint-bid-awarded-hosting-duties-for-next/ https://sports.yahoo.com/australia-...the-2023-fifa-womens-world-cup-155537186.html One for the thumb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will have the countdown clock up and running by the weekend.