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☆ The American rebuild begins after dismal World Cup campaign
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The Americans, who own a record four World Cup titles and had never before finished worse than third place, left town long before the party was over after a shock defeat to Sweden in the last 16. "Our commitment to excellence remains unshakeable, and we believe this strategic plan will set the foundation for our women's national team to achieve greater heights in the years to come." The U.S. federation must also replace women's national team General Manager Kate Margkraf, whose departure was announced on Friday. But the Macedonian-American never shied from bringing the next generation into the fold, as he fielded the least experienced U.S. team in memory with 14 World Cup newcomers, compared to only eight in 2015. But fans looking for a glimmer of hope from the Americans' dismal campaign can look to the younger players.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Alyssa Naeher, Vlatko Andonovski, Matt Crocker, Crocker, Kate Margkraf, There’s, Andonovski, Sam Mewis, Catarina Macario, Mallory Swanson, Forward Sophia Smith, Naomi Girma, Alyssa Thompson, Julie Ertz, Fox, Amy Tennery, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, United, Spain, England, Sunday's, team, Soccer Sporting, Premier League, Southampton, women's, U.S . Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, U.S ., Vietnam, U.S, Soccer, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Melbourne, Australia, U.S, Sydney, Qatar, Paris, Tokyo, New York

☆ A changing of the guard in women’s soccer but the US’ future can still be bright
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

This was a changing of the guard in women’s soccer. For decades, ever since that first World Cup win in 1991, the US has been the standard-bearer in women’s soccer, the dominant force on the pitch, its leading voice off it. Three of the four former World Cup winners are no longer in the tournament, while the so-called underdogs have thrived. As the US team itself posted on social media after the match, “This year’s Women’s World Cup is a testament to the growth of women’s soccer on a global scale …”The penalty shootout went to sudden death. But there is light to add to these dark days for US women’s soccer because this is a team which promises to have a better future.

Persons: Alyssa Naeher, ” Alex Morgan, Jill Biden, country’s, “, Robert Cianflone, Megan Rapinoe, Vlatko, would’ve, Carli Lloyd, ” Rapinoe, could’ve, Zećira Mušović, Lindsey Horan, Lina Hurtig’s, Naeher, William West, Becky Sauerbrunn, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, Alyssa Thompson, Naomi Girma, –, Julie Ertz, Anson Dorrance, Horan Organizations: CNN, Fox Sports, US, Portugal, CNN Sport, Getty, Tokyo Olympics, England, Wembley, Women’s Super League, Sweden, High School Locations: Sweden, soccer, Thailand, France, England, Netherlands, Portugal, Melbourne, AFP, Spain, Australia, New Zealand

☆ Women’s World Cup: Vlatko Andonovski says it’s ‘not the right time’ to question USA’s mindset
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-05 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —US coach Vlatko Andonovski defended his team from criticism ahead of the last-16 Women’s World Cup knockout clash against Sweden, telling reporters on Saturday that he didn’t think “it’s the right time” to question their mindset. I mean they’re not going to happen.”Former players and pundits have criticized the US following its underwhelming performances so far in this year’s Women’s World Cup. “This national team has held the standard for so long and it’s up to us to keep it going. Sweden was the last team to inflict a World Cup defeat inside regulation time on the USA back in 2011, when Alyssa Thompson, the youngest member of the 2023 World Cup squad, was only six years old. Carmen Mandato/USSF/Getty Images“It hasn’t been the tournament that I would have hoped,” US striker Alex Morgan told reporters on Saturday.

Persons: Vlatko Andonovski, ”, “, Andnovski, Buda Mendes, I’ve, Lindsey Horan, Alyssa Thompson, ” Horan, it’s, Rose Lavelle, Alex Morgan, Carmen Mandato Organizations: CNN, Sweden, Tokyo, US, FIFA, USA, Vietnam, USSF, Getty, “ Locations: Melbourne, Australia, Portugal, Portuguese, Sweden, Vietnam, Buda

☆ US has room to improve before tough Netherlands match, says Morgan
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-25 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"This is going to be an incredibly difficult match up, very challenging," said Morgan, who is competing in the tournament for the fourth time. "We watched the Netherlands the other night, and they have a lot of the same players as we played them in the World Cup four years ago." The American defence was solid in their 3-0 opening win over Vietnam on Saturday, scarcely letting the World Cup debutants into the final third. But the U.S. spurned several chances to find the net and Morgan, who failed to score a first-half penalty against Vietnam, conceded that there is room for improvement. I feel like some of the plays that we had were a little forced or rushed," said Morgan.

Persons: Alyssa Thompson, Nguyen Thi, Jenna Watson, Alex Morgan, Morgan, Vivianne, Amy Tennery, Toby Davis Organizations: Vietnam, FIFA, USA, United, U.S, Tokyo, United States, Thomson Locations: Auckland, NZL, USA, Eden, United States, Netherlands, Wellington, Portugal

☆ From fan to contender, US teen Thompson relishes World Cup stage
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Jul 22, 2023; Auckland, NZL; USA forward Alyssa Thompson (7) battles for the ball against Vietnam defender Nguyen Thi My Anh (22) in the second half of a group stage match in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup at Eden Park. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports/File PhotoAUCKLAND, July 24 (Reuters) - Teen star Alyssa Thompson was watching from her aunt's house when the United States beat the Netherlands in the 2019 Women's World Cup final. The forward was scarcely able to contain her joy at the match as she completed her stunning transformation from a youth soccer competitor to a World Cup contender in a matter of months. "I was pretty nervous just to play my first World Cup game. The United States play the Netherlands in Wellington on Thursday, before closing out their group against Portugal next week.

Persons: Alyssa Thompson, Nguyen Thi, Jenna Watson, Thompson's, Naomi Girma, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, They've, Amy Tennery, Sonali Paul Organizations: Vietnam, FIFA, USA, United, Portugal, Thomson Locations: Auckland, NZL, USA, Eden, AUCKLAND, United States, Netherlands, Wellington, Portugal

☆ US coach Andonovski rewarded for big bet on next generation
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-22 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AUCKLAND, July 22 (Reuters) - U.S. head coach Vlatko Andonovski was rewarded for his faith in the next generation on Saturday, as young talent shone in a 3-0 win over Vietnam in their Women's World Cup opener at Auckland's Eden Park. Midfielder Savannah DeMelo, meanwhile, showed poise in her first international start, and 23-year-old defender Naomi Girma "looked like she has three world cups behind her," Andonovski said. Andonovski, who also put 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson on as a late substitute, said that the playing time will pay major dividends as the tournament progresses. "I do also believe that going into game two, they will go a little more encouraged, less nerves, no stress," said Andonovski. They are widely expected to be the toughest team the Americans face in Group E. They meet on Thursday.

Persons: Vlatko Andonovski, Andonovski, Sophia Smith, They've, Smith, Lindsey Horan, Savannah DeMelo, Naomi Girma, Alyssa Thompson, Amy Tennery, Robert Birsel Organizations: AUCKLAND, Vietnam, Thomson Locations: Eden, Netherlands, Auckland

☆ USWNT: How the US became women’s soccer’s dominant force
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +20 min

Anson Dorrance knew he was a pioneer during his eight years as head coach of the US Women’s National Team (USWNT). Any understanding of how and why the USWNT is women’s soccer’s dominant force, a four-time Women’s World Cup winner and favorite to win the next edition currently taking place in Australia and New Zealand, must start with Dorrance, the groundbreaker and the bricklayer. Five years later, the first Women’s World Cup was held in China – not that it was initially labelled a World Cup as world governing body FIFA worried it might not be a success. A third-placed finish followed at the 1995 Women’s World Cup, and then came the Atlanta Olympics a year later. The success of 1999 would lead to the world’s first professional women’s soccer league, the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA).

Persons: CNN —, ”, Anson Dorrance, “ You’re, Dorrance, –, “, Michelle Akers, ” Akers, Mike Ryan, ’, Akers, IX, I’m, ” Dorrance, “ There’s, Lori Lindsey, Lauren Cheney, Darryl Dyck, George Bush, Barry Thumma, didn’t, ” Caitlin Murray, Murray, David Cannon, Billie Jean King, “ We’ve, Lindsay, USWNT, Harry, Brandi Chastain’s, “ We’re, ” Brandi Chastain, Robert Beck, Chastain, Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Julie Foudy et, Megan Rapinoe, they’re, it’s, ” Rapinoe, Richard Heathcote, Lindsey, Becky Sauerbrunn, Rapinoe, Alyssa Thompson, Naomi Girma, Taylor Swift Organizations: CNN, US, National, CNN Sport, Dorrance, men’s, University of North, Coaches, FIFA, America, Soccer, Federal, Olympic, Canada, American, High School, National Collegiate Athletic Association, Guatemala, CONCACAF, Canadian Press, Central, USA, “ National, Atlanta Olympics, Getty, US Soccer, revelled, China, Rose, Women’s United Soccer Association, National Women’s Soccer League, “ 99ers, Tokyo, England Locations: Australia, New Zealand, University of North Carolina, Italy, Seattle, Irish, United States, England, Brazil, Central Florida, China, Norway, New York, Hamm

☆ Women’s World Cup 2023: When, how to watch and everything you need to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —The ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup gets underway in Auckland on Thursday as co-host New Zealand takes on Norway. For the first time ever, the Women’s World Cup will be hosted across two countries: Australia and New Zealand. Sydney Football Stadium will host six Women's World Cup games. A record 32 teams will take part in the World Cup, eight more than the previous two editions. Brazilian superstar Marta, 37, is set to end her international career having scored a record 17 Women’s World Cup goals, while the USWNT’s Megan Rapinoe has also announced that she will retire after what will be her fourth and final World Cup.

Persons: Sydney –, Cameron Spencer, Jason McCawley, Alex Morgan, Brad Smith, Sam Kerr, Kerr, Michael Regan, Marta, Megan Rapinoe, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Alyssa Thompson, Spain’s Alexia Putellas, d’Or, –, Keira Walsh, Asisat Oshoala, Ada Hegerberg, Ballon d’Or, Caroline Graham Hansen, Wendie Renard, Pernille, Alexandra Popp, James Williamson, Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, Macario, Giulia Gwinn, Iman Beney, Becky Sauerbrunn, Mallory Swanson, Gianni Infantino Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Zealand, US Women’s National, Southern Hemisphere, Australia –, Sydney, Sydney Football, Australia, FOX Sports, Telemundo, Seven Network, Optus Sport, BBC, ITV, Republic of Ireland, Stadium Australia, England, Gracenote, Wales, USSF, Getty, of Ireland Nigeria Canada Group, Spain Costa Rica Zambia, England Haiti Denmark China, France Jamaica Brazil Panama Group, Africa Italy Argentina, Germany Morocco Colombia South Korea Players, Chelsea, Manchester City, Ballon, Japan Locations: Auckland, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Dunedin, Hamilton, Wellington, Sydney’s, France, United Kingdom, Republic of, Sydney, United States, Germany, Netherlands, Haiti, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Vietnam, Zambia, Sweden, England, Spain, San Jose , California, New Zealand Norway Philippines Switzerland, Spain Costa Rica, Spain Costa Rica Zambia Japan, England Haiti, United States Vietnam Netherlands Portugal, France Jamaica, Africa, Germany Morocco Colombia, Brazilian, Barcelona, Norwegian, Denmark, Brazil, Swiss, Qatar

☆ Experience gap no hurdle to World Cup ambitions, say US players
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Americans are pursuing an unprecedented third consecutive title with Sullivan among 14 World Cup first-timers, nearly twice as many as in the U.S. team that competed in 2015. But veteran defender O'Hara believes experience on the World Cup stage does not necessarily translate to impact on the field and pointed to Sullivan, who was sharing the stage with her at a news conference on Tuesday, as a prime example. "Andy is bringing something very different than I was bringing as a player in my first World Cup," said O'Hara, who is competing in her fourth. Rapinoe, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2019, announced recently that this would be her last World Cup. The United States open against Vietnam on Saturday.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Denis Balibouse, Kelley O'Hara, Andi Sullivan, Sullivan, O'Hara, Andy, that's, Alex Morgan, Alyssa Naeher, Julie Ertz, Rapinoe, Alyssa Thompson, they're, Amy Tennery, Nathan Frandino, Tomasz Janowski Organizations: Soccer, Groupama, REUTERS, United, U.S ., Vietnam, Thomson Locations: States, Netherlands, Lyon, France, AUCKLAND, United States, New Zealand, Auckland

☆ Netflix plans documentary series on U.S. Women's World Cup team
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/3] Megan Rapinoe gestures the number 4 with her fingers as she holds the Trophy for the FIFA Women's World Cup while the U.S. team arrives at the Newark International Airport, in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., July 8, 2019. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File PhotoAUCKLAND, July 18 (Reuters) - Netflix is preparing a documentary series on the United States women's national soccer team, focusing on their quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Women's World Cup title in Australia and New Zealand. Rapinoe recently announced that the 2023 tournament, her fourth World Cup, would be her last as she plans to retire at the end of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season this year. The series builds on a portfolio of popular recent sports documentary programmes on Netflix, including tennis series Break Point and Formula 1: Drive to Survive. The World Cup kicks off on Thursday.

Persons: Megan, Eduardo Munoz, Alyssa Thompson, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Rapinoe, Amy Tennery, Clare Fallon Organizations: FIFA, U.S ., Newark International Airport, REUTERS, Netflix, United, national soccer team, National Women's Soccer League, Thomson Locations: U.S, Newark, Newark , New Jersey, AUCKLAND, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Auckland

☆ 'I'm still cool': US World Cup squad bridges generational divide
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] Jun 23, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith (9) celebrates a goal in the second half against the Washington Spirit at Providence Park. Building chemistry on a World Cup squad is no easy feat, as players who once regarded one another as club foes must bond as team mates in a span of a few weeks, forming a cohesive unit. Veteran forward Megan Rapinoe turns 38 next month and finds herself on the same squad as 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson. Thompson and 21-year-old forward Trinity Rodman count retired great Carli Lloyd's goal from half-field the 2015 World Cup final as a pivotal memory from their childhood. Five of their team mates this year were on the team with Lloyd when it happened.

Persons: Sophia Smith, Craig Mitchelldyer, Smith, ribbing, Tupac, Vlatko Andonovski, Megan Rapinoe, Alyssa Thompson, Thompson, Trinity Rodman, Carli Lloyd's, Lloyd, Crystal Dunn, Marcel, Dunn, Amy Tennery, Lincoln Organizations: Portland Thorns FC, Washington Spirit, Providence, U.S, United States, Thomson Locations: Portland , Oregon, USA, Australia, New Zealand, U.S, Los Angeles

☆ Veterans Rapinoe, Morgan named in U.S. World Cup squad
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Jun 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe (15) is seen before the game against the Kansas City Current at Lumen Field. Five players, Rapinoe, Morgan, midfielder Julie Ertz, defender Kelley O’Hara and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher were part of the victorious U.S. World Cup squads in 2015 and 2019. The top-ranked Americans are fielding one of their least experienced squads in recent memory, with 14 of the 23 players going to their first World Cup, compared to 11 in 2019 and seven in 2015. Sam's sister and fellow midfielder, Kristie Mewis, was included in the roster for her first World Cup at age 32. Her Gotham FC team mate, Lynn Williams, also made the cut for the global showpiece tournament for the first time at age 30.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Michael Thomas Shroyer, Alex Morgan, Vlatko Andonovski, Alyssa Thompson, Naomi Girma, Savannah DeMelo, Andonovski, Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, Morgan, Julie Ertz, Kelley O’Hara, Alyssa Naeher, Mallory Swanson, Becky Sauerbrunn, Catarina Macario, Sam Mewis, Kristie Mewis, Lynn Williams, Aubrey Kingsbury, Casey Murphy, Alana Cook, Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox, Sofia Huerta, Kelley O'Hara, Emily Sonnett, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Kristie, Ashley Sanchez, Andi Sullivan, Amy Tennery, Ed Osmond Organizations: Kansas, Lumen, YORK, Savannah, Women's Soccer League, U.S, Gotham FC, Washington, North, Courage, Chicago Red Stars, Portland Thorns FC, Diego Wave FC, NY Gotham FC, Racing Louisville FC, FC, Olympique Lyonnais, San Diego Wave FC, Angel, Thomson Locations: Seattle , Washington, USA, States, Australia, New Zealand, NJ, Angel, New York

☆ The hero in 2019, Rapinoe handed new role in fourth World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

NEW YORK, June 21 (Reuters) - The United States's Megan Rapinoe will take on a different role in her fourth Women's World Cup appearance, coach Vlatko Andonovski said on Wednesday, as he named his 23-player squad for the quadrennial tournament. But when the 2023 World Cup kicks off on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand, the 2019 Ballon d'Or winner may take a backseat to a new generation of talent. "Megan Rapinoe is probably going to have a different role than the last World Cup or the previous two World Cups. The NWSL's 22-year-old MVP Sophia Smith, who was 10 when Rapinoe competed at the 2011 tournament, is poised to have a major role up front at this year's World Cup but still believes she has plenty to learn from the veterans. Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Vlatko Andonovski, Donald Trump, Andonovski, Alyssa Thompson, Laura Harvey, Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, Alyssa, Thompson, Alex Morgan, Amy Tennery, Toby Davis Organizations: YORK, U.S ., National Women's Soccer League, Wales, Thomson Locations: U.S, Australia, New Zealand, New York

☆ USWNT reveals Women’s World Cup squad – with a little help from Biden and Taylor Swift
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The US Women’s National Team (USWNT) announced its squad for the upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday as it bids to win its third consecutive title. Alongside the experienced core – Morgan, Rapinoe and O’Hara become the 10th, 11th and 12th USWNT players to be selected for four or more tournaments – is a selection of players making their World Cup debuts. The first lady added: “Joe and I can’t wait to watch this team soar at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The 2023 edition of the Women’s World Cup begins on July 20 and is being cohosted by Australia and New Zealand. The USWNT will begin its campaign to win its third successive Women’s World Cup title on July 22 against Vietnam in Group E. It has also been drawn alongside the Netherlands and Portugal.

Persons: Vlatko, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Julie Ertz, Kelley O’Hara, Alyssa Naeher, – Morgan, Rapinoe, O’Hara, Alyssa Thompson, Trinity Rodman, Dennis, Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Taylor Swift, Shaquille O’Neal, Biden, Joe, ”, Morgan, Swift, ” Swift, “, ” Andonovski, we’ve Organizations: CNN, US Women’s National, NBA, US, National Soccer Team, ”, FIFA, Vietnam, “ Locations: France, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Portugal

☆ US finding it tough to fill Swanson's shoes 100 days before World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Apr 11, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; U.S. Womens National Team goalkeeper Casey Murphy (18) makes a save against the Republic of Ireland Womens National Team during the first half at CITYPARK. / Jeff Curry-USA TODAY SportsApril 11 (Reuters) - The United States were no closer to filling the void left by injured striker Mallory Swanson on Tuesday, securing an uneasy 1-0 victory against Ireland in a friendly just 100 days before the Women's World Cup. "The team was built - or was going to build - around Mal and Soph and their attacking power. Andonovski told reporters he gave as many players as possible the chance to stake a claim before he names his World Cup squad. Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ United States look for path forward without injured Swanson
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-10 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/4] Apr 8, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; U.S. Women's National Team forward Mallory Swanson (9) is escorted off field by medical personnel during the first half in a match against the Republic of Ireland Women's National Team at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY SportsApril 10 (Reuters) - Striker Mallory Swanson is in a "good place" even though uncertainty surrounds her World Cup participation after she tore a patella tendon during Saturday's 2-0 win over Ireland, United States head coach Vlatko Andonovski said. You don't replace Mallory (Swanson) that easy. The United States called up Alyssa Thompson as Swanson's replacement after the 18-year-old made her senior national team debut in October. The United States play Ireland in St. Louis, Missouri, on Tuesday.

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