To indulge a badly used cliché: Vlatko Andonovsky is currently facing the problem that every coach wants.
With a plethora of top talent to choose from, the boss of the US Women’s National Team would have to somehow pick just 18 players for their Olympic roster this summer.
This would be especially cruel for the final five cuts, who would have otherwise made a 23-player roster that uses most other tournaments, including the World Cup.
There is no doubt that some big names will not go to Japan. The only question is who those ominous players will be. here, aim For Tokyo takes a stab at Andonovsky’s 18-player roster.
More: USWNT draw announced for 2021 Olympic Games
Goalkeeper
- Making the Cut: Alyssa Naihar, Ashlyn Harris
- MISSING OUT: Jane Campbell, Adrianna French, Aubrey Bledos, Casey Murphy
Nahar is rock solid as the starter of the team but the picture has become quite admired behind him.
After years as a clear backup to the team, Harris was removed from the Schebels’ Cup roster, a decision Andonovsky insisted has had nothing to do with his recent adoption with his wife USNT keeper Ali Egger Is not. In January, Androvsky made the mistake after sidelining Harris in favor of starting Campbell against Columbia.
Campbell started for the US again against Argentina in the Shibels Cup, but like the game against Columbia, he faced zero shots on goal. The Houston Dash goalkeeper is clearly gaining on Harris, but the veteran is still the backup until Andonowski says otherwise.
The defenders
- Cutting Making: Becky Soberbrun, Abbie Dahlumper, Kelly O’Hara, Crystal Dunn, Emily Sonnett, Tierna Davidson
- MISSING OUT: Midge Purse, Casey Krueger, Ali Krieger, Alana Cook, Emily Fox
The opening four of Dunn, Soberbran, Dahlkumper and O’Hara’s team have not changed in recent years and will move to Tokyo, injury (a particular concern for O’Hara).
This possibility leaves two more defensive spots. Andonowski has rated Sonnett as his top backup at fullback, although the Washington Spirit defender did not have a strong Shellabikes Cup. She can also play center-back.
Davidson, another versatile player who was a World Cup winner at the age of 20, is beheaded by Purse, who is ruthlessly spared by being covered in both America’s favorite positions, fullbacks and forwards.
Julie Ertz can also play center-back but has become unavoidable in the midfield position. If possible, Andonowski would like to keep him out of the backline.
Midfielder
- Cutting Making: Julie Ertz, Sam Mavis, Lindsay Horan, Rose LaValle, Kristen Mavis
- Missing Out: Andy Sullivan, Jaylin Howell, Morgan Gough
As mentioned, Ertz is the team’s linchpin and perhaps its most important player. Sam Mavis has developed into one of the team’s best players, while Horan’s ability to control world-class games and LaValle’s play means they are both healthy.
He leaves Christie Mewis as the final inclusion. Starting from outside the USWNT picture a year ago, the older Mewis sister has made a huge impact in almost every game she has portrayed, working her way up to the depth chart.
Don’t count Howell yet, as the 21-year-old has a great future and may be the best true backup for Ertz at the holding midfield position. Likewise, Sullivan may charge late fees if he is healthy.
Both are out of this roster for now, though Sam Mavis and Davidson are able to fill in as No. 6 if necessary.
ahead
- Making Cracking: Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, Megan Rapinoe, Lynn Williams, Kristen Press
- MISSING OUT: Carli Lloyd, Catarina Macario, Jessica McDonald, Ashley Hatch, Sophia Smith, Mallory Pugh
We will save the most room for the forward position, as this is where it is certain that some of the big names will be cut from the roster.
The number of cuts that make the forward headline will depend on whether Androvsky sees Macario as a forward or a midfielder. Although she has played in both places for the USWNT, a natural attacker, Macario, has looked better in the front three and should be seen as a contender for one of the forward positions.
For now, the extremely promising Leon attacker is looking outward. Macario has shined in his brief USWNT career, but not enough to force Andonovsky to take him to Tokyo at the expense of a more proven star. However, he has too many games to force his coach’s hand.
Morgan, Press and Rapinoe can be considered locks when healthy, based on past performances and recent performances. Rapinoe and Morgan, in particular, have answered several questions about their sharpness after a recent long absence.
Heath is a big question mark due to a serious ankle injury that will likely keep him out until April or May. The winger should have about two months to regain his form and fitness before the tournament to be held in Tokyo, which is enough time to put him on the right side of the cut for now.
Andonovsky, however, would be wary of bringing in any player who is not 100 percent after burning his predecessor, Jill Ellis, by bringing a fond Rappino to Rio five years ago.
Williams or Lloyd: This brings us to our last major call. Williams has not driven a significant amount of confidence from her finishing ability, although she does create a high amount of chances.
However, he does indeed have an edge, although he is under pressure from him. Andonowski has repeatedly mentioned how important Williams’ team is to the high press, and his energy will be more important than usual in tournaments with shorter turnards such as the Olympics. For Andonowski, bringing at least one forward under 30 seems like a prudent step.
And so, Lloyd is a strange woman.
It would be extremely cruel on the 38-year-old, who is showing some precious signs of aging as he is near the 300 USWNT cap. However, the inclusion of the press has reduced the need for Lloyd as a backup target, who has previously held the position and is currently featuring at Manchester United.
Lloyd, Macario, Pugh and Smith. On most teams, this is enough four fronts for a medal. For the USWNT, this is a group that can do what all the rest of us will do in the summer: watching the Olympics.
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