Way too early USWNT Olympic Roster Prediction

The USWNT lifted some hardware this past Sunday with the first women’s Gold Cup with a 1-0 win over Brazil.

The team’s first tournament, after parting ways with Vlatko Andonovski, led to the USWNT lifting a trophy.

Emma Hayes will fully take over the head coaching position in June when the team plays a set of friendly matches against South Korea and will be responsible for naming the Olympic roster.

Going from a roster of 23 to 18 in a year isn’t easy. With retirements, aging players, injuries and a new coach, the USWNT might see the biggest shake-up fans have seen in years.

Goalkeepers: Alyssa Naeher and Casey Murphy

Before the Gold Cup, many quickly dismissed Alyssa Naeher as the right pick for goalie due to her age. But Naeher saved three PKs and made one of her own in the penalty shootout against Canada to get the national to the Gold Cup finals.

Casey Murphy has been somewhat established as Naeher’s backup since last year's World Cup, and her club performance with North Carolina Courage should be a good enough argument to cement her in this slot.

On the cusp- Aubrey Kingsbury, Jane Campbell and A.D. Franch

Defenders- Naimoi Girma, Becky Saeurbrunn, Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox, Tierna Davidson, Abby Dahlkemper

Naimoi Girma was the only glimmer of hope for USWNT fans at the World Cup last summer. She is the future of the back line and the 23-year-old is the biggest lock on the entire roster.

The former captain, Becky Sauerbrunn, is another obvious pick, as her experience and consistency will be vital for this Olympic team.

Emily Fox, Tierna Davidson and Abby Dahlkemper are all strong picks, and Crystal Dunn is too versatile a player to leave at home.

On the cusp- Kelly O’Hara, Alanna Cook

Midfielders- Rose Lavelle, Lindsay Horan, Sam Coffey, Emily Sonnet, Korbin Albert

Rose Lavelle might be the best player to come through the USWNT ever. If she stays healthy, there is no chance she won’t be in Paris this summer.

Lindsay Horan, the team captain, will naturally make the roster. Sam Coffey and Korbin Albert earned their spots in this tournament at the Gold Cup.

Emily Sonnet is another player who is far too versatile to leave out of the Olympic roster. Having to make a team with far fewer players than in other tournaments, coaches can’t leave a player who is great in multiple spots on the field back in America during the Olympics.

Forwards- Trinity Rodman, Alex Morgan, Margaret “Midge” Purce, Jaeyden Shaw, Catarina Macario

To Alex Morgan or not to Alex Morgan?

Morgan wasn’t originally on the roster for the Gold Cup, but due to an injury, she got called up and proved she was the best option to play the nine position. Morgan is a veteran and knows how to create space for other players and create scoring opportunities.

Trinity Rodman and Jaedyen Shaw are two of the most entertaining USWNT players and have no competition on the roster.

Again, Midge Purce is too versatile a player to leave off this roster. If Catarina Macario is healthy, this is a terrifying forward line to face.

On the cusp- Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Alyssa Thompson, Lynn Williams

Sophia D’Ovidio is a third-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.edu.