United States Team Page
Squad
Coach: Greg Ryan
Roster
Goalkeepers: Briana Scurry, Hope Solo, Nicole Barnhart
Defenders: Marian Dalmy, Christie Rampone, Cat Whitehill, Tina Ellertson, Stephanie Lopez, Kate Markgraf
Midfielders: Shannon Boxx, Aly Wagner, Carli Lloyd, Leslie Osborne, Angela Hucles, Lori Chalupny, Marci Jobson
Forwards: Lindsay Tarpley, Natasha Kai, Heather O’Reilly, Kristine Lilly, Abby Wambach
Scouting Report
Current world ranking: 1st (first in CONCACAF)
Strengths: The tradition of excellence that was established by the American golden generation still exists today. There is constant competition in camp with a plethora of talent across the country to choose from. Greg Ryan used 60-odd players in friendlies leading up to the World Cup before settling on his final 21. It’s no surprise the Americans play an offensive game, given they have two of the top forwards in the world in Lilly and Abby Wambach. There is plenty of speed on the flanks with the likes of Stephanie Lopez smacking in crosses for Wambach and Carli Lloyd to finish off. Ryan has preached defensive accountability and fullbacks Kate Markgraf, Cat Whitehill and Christie Rampone have taken that plan to heart. Goals are rarely conceded against this side. Hope Solo will take over starting duties in net from Scurry. The U.S. has 12 World Cup rookies on its roster and while this is a weakness for some teams, it’s almost the opposite for the Americans. These women have been waiting patiently in the wings for retirements and untimely injuries for a chance at making the squad. They are hungry to make names for themselves as America’s next generation. The U.S. is on a roll heading into its fifth World Cup. Since Ryan took over the team in March 2005, the U.S. has an unblemished record in 46 matches (39 wins, 7 draws and 0 losses).
Weaknesses: It’s hard to pick a weakness on a side of this calibre, though some American pundits are concerned with the team’s experience in midfield. Boxx, 30, has fully recovered from a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) last year and is a commanding ball winner and defensive presence in the centre, while the creative, quick Aly Wagner, 26, has been hampered by a series of injuries. This veteran pair is surrounded by a group of talented, yet relatively untested midfielders, including Carli Lloyd, Lori Chalupny and Leslie Osborne. All have enjoyed successful college careers and time with the national team, but have never played in a World Cup tournament. That said, Boxx did not have a cap for the national squad before making the U.S. team in 2003. Still, quick decision-making and avoiding turnovers could pose a challenge for the trio against the quality of teams in the Group of Death. Lilly has the flexibility to play on the flank or as an attacking midfielder if Ryan feels this group can’t get the job done.
Player to watch: Lilly, at age 36, is an inspiration for women’s soccer players around the world. Entering her fifth World Cup, the evergreen forward and American skip is not only playing on the world’s biggest stage but she remains one of the game’s top players. Incredible ball control, vision and clutch finishing are her trademarks, along with her calm, quiet leadership. Wambach, for one, says when a game is on the line she feels confident about victory when the ball is at Lilly’s feet.
Prognosis: Greg Ryan may be concerned about his group, particularly the enigmatic North Koreans and stylish Swedes, but it would be a shock if the Americans did not come out on top in the Group of Death. Wambach recently told the New York Times that the current World Cup team could rival the 1999 champion squad and if that proves to be the case, the Americans could be raising their third championship trophy on Sept. 30.
ROAD TO THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
2007 qualification route: The United States earned its berth in China 2007 by placing first in the final competition of the 2006 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup.
Qualification record: 2 matches played, 2 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses
Goals for: 4 Goals against: 1
Top goal-scorer in qualifying: Abby Wambach (2)
Qualifying results:
Knockout Stage – in Carson, Calf.
Semifinal
Nov. 22, 2006 – USA 2, Mexico 0
Final
Nov. 26, 2006 – Canada 1, USA 2 (extra time)
***Note: Canada and the U.S. both received byes to the 2006 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup’s semifinals because they had finished first and second in the 2002 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup.
Women’s World Cup 1st round matches (all times local)
Sept. 11 – U.S. vs. North Korea in Chengdu (Chengdu Sports Centre Stadium) at 17:00
Sept. 14 – Sweden vs. U.S. in Chengdu (Chengdu Sports Centre Stadium) at 17:00
Sept. 18 – Nigeria vs. U.S. in Shanghai (Hangkou Football Stadium) at 20:00
WOMEN’S WORLD CUP HISTORY
The Americans are entering their fifth World Cup tournament. They’ve captured two championships in 1991 and 1999 and two third-place finishes. The American golden generation of Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, Joy Fawcett, Carla Overbeck and current team members Briana Scurry and Kristine Lilly, to name a few, helped legitimize international women’s soccer and became household names in the U.S. thanks to their World Cup and Olympic performances.
Number of previous Women’s World Cup appearances: 4
Hosted the Women’s World Cup: 1999, 2003
1991 – Champion
1995 – Third
1999 – Champion
2003 – Third
