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☆ Women’s World Cup: Italy Starts a 16-Year-Old, and Germany Leans on Its Experience
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Juliet Macur | The New York Times | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +16 min

Women’s World Cup: Italy Starts a 16-Year-Old, and Germany Leans on Its Experience Italy’s Giulia Dragoni became one of the youngest players ever to appear in the tournament. Credit... Hannah Mckay/Reuters Morocco’s presence at the Women’s World Cup already has yielded a string of notable moments. Italy vs. Argentina Italy reached the quarterfinals of the last World Cup, a solid result after a 20-year absence from the tournament. The Brazilian legend is appearing in her sixth World Cup at age 37, and still hoping to capture an ever-elusive title. The South Koreans have made it to the knockout stage once in three previous World Cup appearances, in 2015.

Persons: Giulia Dragoni, Morocco Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Hannah Mckay, Morocco James Ross, Robert Cianflone, Hamish Blair, Argentina Phil Walter, Abbie Parr, David Rowland, Argentina Buda Mendes, Panama Bienvenido Velasco, Naomi Girma, Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher, Andrew Cornaga, Vlatko Andonovski, Ertz, Andonovski, Alana Cook, Girma, ” Girma, Becky Sauerbrunn, Sauerbrunn, ” Andonovski, Nouhaila, Nouhaila Benzina, Prince Ali bin al, Hussein, Benzina, Morocco’s, Reynald Pedros, Ghizlane, Chebbak, “ It’s, ”, Megan Rapinoe, Quinn, Pedros, Sam Kerr, Australia’s Sam Kerr, Darren England, Kyra Cooney, Kerr, “, Sam, ” Cooney, we’re, Sam’s, ZT8aF7puDp — Tracey Holmes, Cooney, Cristiana, Phil Walter, Marta, Pia Sundhage, Milena Bertolini, Little Messi, Chiara Beccari, Italy nabbed, Cristiana Girelli Organizations: Morocco, Reuters, Associated Press, Argentina, Getty, Panama, Group, Argentina Cristiana, Brazil Group, Vietnam, United States, Tokyo Olympics, Portugal, U.S, North, Germany, FIFA, Moroccan, BBC, ., Ireland, United, European Locations: Germany, Morocco, Reuters Germany, Reuters Morocco, Associated Press Italy, Italy, Associated Press Argentina, Reuters Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Panama, Alyssa Naeher ., United States, Ertz, Netherlands, United, Vietnam, Melbourne ., Arab, France, Moroccan, Melbourne, Brisbane, Australia, Nigeria, Colombia, South Korea, Argentina Italy

☆ 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

☆ Smith scores brace to power champions US past Vietnam
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-22 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Jul 22, 2023; Auckland, NZL; USA forward Sophia Smith (11) gets the ball past Vietnam forward Huynh Nhu (9) in the second half of a group stage match in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup at Eden Park. The four-times champions have put their trust in the next generation this year and were rewarded with a showstopping performance from the 22-year-old forward, who also provided the assist for co-captain Lindsey Horan's goal in the second half. "We tried to be more tactical, skillful," Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung told reporters via a translator. The U.S. face the Netherlands on Thursday in their second Group E game, a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final, while Vietnam next play Portugal. "The first one is in the books and the focus immediately shifts to game two," Andonovski said.

Persons: Sophia Smith, Huynh Nhu, Jenna Watson, Lindsey Horan's, Tran Thi Kim Thanh, Alex Morgan's, Vlatko Andonovski, Smith, Horan, Mai Duc Chung, Megan Rapinoe, Rose Lavelle, Andonovski, Amy Tennery, Robert Birsel Organizations: FIFA, USA, Sports AUCKLAND, Vietnam, Thomson Locations: Auckland, NZL, USA, Vietnam, Eden, United States, Morgan, U.S, Netherlands, Portugal

☆ Pressure on US squad, coach as World Cup title defence begins
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

No country has ever won three straight World Cups but U.S. fans will accept nothing less from the world's top-ranked side. Andonovski is banking on a new generation of talent in Australia and New Zealand, as he welcomed 14 World Cup first-timers to the 23-player squad. Andonovski has previously said the days of such lop-sided triumphs are long gone and that his squad were prepared to face "the best Vietnam team that has ever been on the field". "We're certainly going to come out with a team that will give us the best chance to win every game." The United States will face the Netherlands in their second Group E match next week in Wellington.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Vlatko Andonovski, Paul Childs, Vlatko Andonovski's, Jill Ellis, Andonovski, they've, We're, Amy Tennery, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Soccer Football, United States Press Conference, Wembley, United, Vietnam, Tokyo Games, Norway, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, AUCKLAND, United States, U.S, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Auckland, Saturday, Vietnam, Thailand, Wellington

☆ This U.S. World Cup Team Is One for the Ages. All the Ages.
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Juliet Macur | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

That generation gap, and how the U.S. team deals with it, is likely to be one of the prominent stories of the World Cup. For the United States, a four-time World Cup winner, this tournament also presents a new, unrelenting challenge from rivals rising to meet the Americans’ level as leaders, spokeswomen and champions. “There’s always pressure in this team,” said Horan, 29. Fourteen members of the 23-player roster are World Cup rookies. It’s Andonovski’s first World Cup, too.

Persons: Lindsey Horan, team’s, won’t, “, ”, Horan, Vlatko Andonovski, It’s Organizations: U.S . Locations: U.S, United States

☆ Sophia Smith stars as USWNT eases past Vietnam in its Women’s World Cup opener
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The US Women’s National Team (USWNT) kicked off their Women’s World Cup campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory against Vietnam. A brace from US soccer’s newest superstar Sophia Smith and a late goal from Lindsey Horan was enough to give the defending champion a dream start as it begins a historic World Cup campaign. The USWNT are chasing a third World Cup in a row and could not have asked for a better start,dominating proceedings from the outset before Smith opened the scoring just 14 minutes into her World Cup debut. The Portland Thorns forward squeezed the ball into the net – albeit with a much scrappier effort than her opener. As chances came and went for the USWNT, it took more brilliant work from Smith to extend the lead.

Persons: Sophia Smith, Lindsey Horan, Smith, Horan, Alex Morgan, Andrew Cornaga, Trinity Rodman, Morgan, Trần Thị Kim Thanh, Phil Walter, ” Smith, “ We’re, Vlatko Andonovski, ” Organizations: CNN, US Women’s National, Vietnam, Portland, Getty Locations: Vietnam

☆ Women’s World Cup: Canada Ties Nigeria, but Laments Missed Penalty
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Andrew Das | The New York Times | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +11 min

Women’s World Cup: Canada Ties Nigeria, but Laments Missed Penalty Switzerland beat the Philippines, which was making its World Cup debut. Credit... Robert Cianflone/Getty Images Not much of what led to this World Cup has gone the way Canada’s women’s team might have wanted. What he and Horan do know, however, is that the world of women’s soccer has changed since the United States thumped Thailand, 13-0, at the last World Cup. The first two World Cup debutantes to take the field, Ireland and the Philippines, both lost, but in close games. injuries are keeping some big stars off the Women’s World Cup stage.

Persons: Alessandra Tarantino, Costa Rica Catherine Ivill, Wellington , New Zealand Catherine Ivill, Morgan Hancock, Nigeria Izhar, Hannah Mckay, Philippines Lars Baron, Abbie Parr, Associated Press Team England Dan Peled, Reuters Team Denmark Luisa Gonzalez, Reuters Manhattan Michael M, del Campo, Aitana Bonmati, Esther Gonzalez, Switzerland Ramona Bachmann, Seraina Piubel, Canada’s Julia Grosso, Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, Robert Cianflone, Asisat Oshoala, Christine Sinclair, Deborah Ajibola Abiodun, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Sinclair, Bev Priestman, “ Christine Sinclair, ” Priestman, Sam Kerr, Ramona Bachmann, Sanka, A.R., e Parr, Amer, “it, tol, conn, abou, S., ike, orr, C., Viv Organizations: Canada Ties Nigeria, Associated Press, Getty, Canada, Shutterstock Canada, Agence France, Reuters, U.S.A, Associated Press Team England, Reuters Team Denmark, Reuters Manhattan, Credit, Barcelona, Ireland, emi, erc Locations: Philippines, Spain, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Associated Press Spain, Wellington , New Zealand, Nigeria, Nigeria Izhar Khan, Reuters Switzerland, Costa, Canada Canada, Australia, Melbourne, Canada, Norway, Ireland, nsw, hol

☆ Meet the U.S. Women’s 2023 World Cup Team
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( Rachel Bachman | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Coach Vlatko AndonovskiAndonovski was hired a few months after the U.S. won the 2019 World Cup and led the team to a disappointing bronze medal in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The Americans beat Canada, Japan and Brazil to win the SheBelieves Cup in February, but European teams will loom larger at the World Cup. Hannah Peters/Getty

Persons: Vlatko Andonovski Andonovski, Hannah Peters, Getty Organizations: U.S, Canada Locations: Japan, Brazil

CNN —US Women’s National Team star Megan Rapinoe, a two-time Women’s World Cup winner, has announced she will retire at the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season. Rapinoe, an Olympic gold medalist from London 2012, will play in her fourth and final World Cup this summer in Australia and New Zealand, before returning to her NWSL team OL Reign. To be able to play one last World Cup and one last NWSL season and go out on my own terms is incredibly special.”Megan Rapinoe has won two World Cup and Olympic gold with the USWNT. In her domestic career, Rapinoe won the French league title and French Cup with Lyon in the 2012-2013 season and has won three NWSL Shields with the Seattle Reign and OL Reign. “When you talk about players performing on the biggest stages, she’s right up there with the best to ever do it for the US Women’s National Team.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Rapinoe, “ I’ve, ” Rapinoe, “, we’ve, Brad Smith, ”, Cooper, Shields, “ Megan, Kate Markgraf, Vlatko Andonovski, Andonovski, “ It’s Organizations: CNN, US Women’s National, Women’s Soccer League, Wales, National Team, US Soccer, Ballon, Lyon, Seattle, US, National Locations: Australia, New Zealand, United States

☆ '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

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ U.S. Women’s World Cup Roster Will Reflect a Team in Transition
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Juliet Macur | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Here’s a sentence you see every four years: The United States is a favorite to win the Women’s World Cup. The United States’ résumé is top of its class: The team will head to this summer’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand as the No. 1-ranked women’s soccer team in the world and the two-time defending champion. And unlike any other Women’s World Cup team, it has four tiny golden stars sewn above its jersey crest to show the program’s pedigree of four World Cup titles. It’s likely that more than half of the roster will be World Cup rookies.

Persons: Coach Vlatko Andonovski Organizations: United States Locations: United States, States, Australia, New Zealand, United

☆ Williams, Mewis hoping to play their way into US World Cup squad
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Apr 19, 2023; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; -New Jersey/New York Gotham FC forward Lynn Williams (10) celebrates her goal against the Washington Spirit during the second half at Red Bull Arena. "But he’s watching all the time - World Cup or not. "Being the best Lynn Williams I can possibly be will hopefully help me get on that team." The defending World Cup champions wrapped up their April camp with wins over Ireland in a pair of friendlies, with Mewis getting minutes off the bench while Williams did not feature. "What’s most important for me is to just try to be consistent and try to play the way I know how to play.

☆ 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.

☆ Injured U.S. striker Swanson has successful surgery
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 11 (Reuters) - The United States' injured 24-year-old striker Mallory Swanson said on Tuesday that she had undergone successful surgery but was still in a state of shock after suffering a torn patella tendon ahead of this year's Women's World Cup. Swanson helped the U.S. collect a fourth world title in 2019 and was expected to be a key piece of their 2023 squad after scoring seven goals in international competition this year. I’m in shock and don’t have much to say other than, thank you to everyone for the messages. I feel the love and prayers, and holding them close to my heart," Swanson wrote on Instagram. Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Ken FerrisOur 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.

☆ Pressure to impress for U.S. hopefuls in World Cup countdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-07 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 7 (Reuters) - Players hoping to make the United States' Women's World Cup squad will step into a pressure cooker on Saturday, as a friendly against Ireland is one of their final chances to earn a spot with the four-times champions. "It all could be the defining moment for you going into the World Cup if you're going to be someone that is a starter, who gets significant minutes," she said. Twenty-year-old phenom Trinity Rodman noted the World Cup was scarcely more than 100 days away, and said she was taking time to connect with veterans and sweat the details. Among those not with the team was one of the United States' most recognizable figures, Megan Rapinoe, who is recovering from a lower leg injury that Andonovski previously described as not serious. "But then there's a certain group of players that every game may matter because they're competing against someone else."

☆ United States get World Cup momentum with SheBelieves Cup win
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/4] Feb 22, 2023; Frisco, Texas, USA; Brazil forward Geyse (18) dribbles as United States of America defender Emily Sonnett (14) defends during the second half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY SportsFeb 22 (Reuters) - The United States got a boost of confidence as they beat Brazil 2-1 to clinch their fourth consecutive SheBelieves Cup title on Wednesday in Frisco, Texas, less than 150 days before the World Cup. "The whole time throughout the tournament, while we're in camp, we're talking about (how) it's not just about this tournament it's about preparation for the World Cup," head coach Vlatko Andonovski told reporters. But 24-year-old forward Swanson has all but assured she'll be part of the equation when they kick off the World Cup group stage in New Zealand against Vietnam. With only two more matches expected before the U.S. World Cup roster is announced, there is scarce time left for players to distinguish themselves.

☆ U.S. women's coach still tinkering ahead of World Cup defence
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

NEW YORK, Feb 1 (Reuters) - U.S. women's head coach Vlatko Andonovski is still tinkering with his squad to find what he hopes will be a winning combination at this year's World Cup, as the Americans bid for an unprecedented third straight title without former stalwarts. The U.S. kick off their title defence in the SheBelieves Cup, an annual round-robin tournament that this year also features Canada, Japan and Brazil on Feb. 16 in Orlando, Florida. With veteran Megan Rapinoe back in the mix after recovering from injury, Andonovski said the competition was a chance to be creative with the World Cup less than sixth months away. Mallory Swanson, whose stock rose with three goals across the United States' two friendlies last month against World Cup co-hosts New Zealand, was also named to the roster along with veteran Alex Morgan and rising star Trinity Rodman. "We're going to we're going to try different things and test different combinations of players."

☆ Thorns' Smith voted U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Jan 6 (Reuters) - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) MVP Sophia Smith was voted the 2022 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, the sport's governing body said on Friday, after scoring 11 goals for the national team last year. The 22-year-old forward helped the Portland Thorns to their third NWSL final and scored three braces in international matches. Smith is widely expected to feature in the upcoming World Cup, where the Americans will battle for an unprecedented third successive title. "She is a special player with special qualities, but the best thing is that has the humbleness, work ethic and drive to keep developing all aspects of her game," said U.S. women's national team coach Vlatko Andonovski. Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ U.S. set to meet Dutch in final re-match at 2023 World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Soccer Football - 2023 Women's World Cup Draw - Aotea Centre, Auckland, New Zealand - October 22, 2022 2023 Women's World Cup official mascot Penguin Tazuni and performers after the draw ceremony REUTERS/Shane WenzlickAUCKLAND, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Four-times winners the United States will face the Netherlands in a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final after being drawn with the European side, debutants Vietnam and a playoff winner at Saturday's draw in Auckland for next year's showpiece. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register"We've got a good but somewhat tough draw," said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. "I think it's going to be exciting (to play the Dutch) because it's a rematch of the last World Cup final, it was also the quarter-final match of the Olympics so two quality teams playing against each other. New Zealand will kickoff the first World Cup to be held in the southern hemisphere against former champions Norway in Auckland on July 20 and will also face the Philippines and Switzerland in Group A. "Canada are a world class team, top-ranked in our group and favourites to win it.

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