The U.S. women's national team is leading Group E with three points after their 3-0 win over Vietnam. With a group of talent including veterans Megan Rapinoe, Julie Ertz, and Alex Morgan, the USWNT is poised to be favorites to complete their three-peat.
Yet with one nine veterans on the 23-person roster, 14 players have never experienced playing in a World Cup. Playing on international soccer's biggest stage is a chance for these women to catapult themselves to superstar status.
Just ask Alex Morgan. Twelve years ago, she was the rookie known to her teammates as "Baby Horse". Morgan scored in both the semis and the final and was a household name overnight.
So the Staring XI for the match against Vietnam, it was their time to shine.
https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1682541246982803458?s=20
This USWNT squad is younger and more diverse than its predecessor. A number of these World Cup debutantes could make it to the forefront of the minds of most Americans over the coming months.
Famous parents not needed for success
One of these rising stars is Trinity Rodman, currently with the Washington Spirit in the National Women's Soccer League. While yes, she is the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, she's paving her own path in her soccer career.
During her rookie season in the NWSL, Rodman tallied seven goals and earned NWSL Rookie of the Year honors as well.
The 21-year-old made her presence known before the tournament even started. She scored both goals in the US's final warm-up match against Wales on July 9th.
https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1678162416851640321?s=20
The striker has a highlight reel of goals in the NWSL and was a finalist for the Ballon d'Or Feminin back in 2022. Thanks to her improved play and injuries to some mainstays on the roster, she started against Vietnam. She has pretty big shoes to fill at right winger for the U.S. women’s team but if her NWSL career is any indication, she's going to be just fine.
Who is Sophia Smith?
If the name Sophia Smith isn't on your radar, that should be corrected immediately. She's arguably going to be the next Big Thing in US soccer. By the way, she's currently the youngest person since the GOAT Mia Hamm to lead scoring for the USWNT- racking up 11 goals in 17 games.
The accolades kept coming for the 22-year-old. US Soccer Player of the Year and NWSL's Most Valuable Player sit on her mantle. She represented the in the 2016 FIFA U-17 World Cup and played in the 2018 U-20 World Cup. And at the 2023 Women's World Cup, she made her name in a big way.
Just 14 minutes into the first half, Smith scored the United States' first goal of the 2023 World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand. She added another one in stoppage time to hand the team a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.
Smith also had a successful collegiate career. She two seasons at Stanford University, where her team won the 2019 NCAA Championship. Then she gave up the remainder of her collegiate eligibility to play professionally. She's easily going to be the future and the face of the USWNT moving forward.
From fan to part of the roster
During the 2019 Women's World Cup, Alyssa Thompson was watching from her aunt's house and was just entering high school. Fast forward four years later and the now 18-year-old is part of the 23-person roster.
But this isn't her first appearance with the USWNT.
Thompson made multiple appearances with the USWNT before graduating high school. She was the number one overall draft pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft. She made her professional debut with Angel City FC at the age of 18.
She was the second youngest player to take to the pitch when she was subbed in during the 75th minute of their 3-0 victory over Vietnam. Thompson has speed and creativity on the field and with injuries rearing their ugly head, the USWNT could use a striker like her. She might make the starting roster against Portugal but regardless, she's one to watch for future World Cups.
Be sure to return to Philly Sports Network for more on Women’s World Cup content
Follow our Women’s World Cup team on Twitter:
Tim Lovenguth | Regina Ham | Paul Frenzel | Jimmy King | Liam Jenkins
Mandatory Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Cornaga, AP Photo/Josie Lepe, & AP Photo/Abbie Parr
