Megan Rapinoe is no longer a starter for the USWNT. Mallory Pugh has made the left flank her own, and it was the 24-year-old Chicago Red Stars forward who forced the opener on Tuesday night against Nigeria at Audi Field with a low cross that resulted in an own goal from the Super Falcons.

However, after Nigeria had surprisingly found an equalizer in the 50th minute through Tigres forward Uchenna Kanu, it was Rapinoe's introduction in the 65th that brought the crowd back to life before her quality in the final third restored the USWNT's advantage just one minute later. 

OL Reign strengthened its hold on a NWSL playoff place and entrenched Gotham FC near the bottom of the table with a commanding 4-1 win at Lumen Field on Sunday behind some inspirational play from Megan Rapinoe. The 37-year-old was heavily involved in all four Reign goals and finished two herself.

In the 15th minute, Rapinoe's quick throw-in acted as the assist for Rose Lavelle's third of the season. 

The USWNT secured a spot in the Concacaf W Championship final on Thursday after defeating Costa Rica 3-0.  The winner of the Concacaf W Championship will book one of two spots in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The U.S. will play the winner of Canada vs. Jamaica in the final on Monday.

USWNT vs Costa Rica Highlights

Thursday’s semifinal was frustrating at times for the USWNT as the team couldn’t put away golden opportunities. Alex Morgan failed to score two big chances in the opening 20 minutes. 

The USWNT is cruising right through the Concacaf W Championship. A pair of early Sophia Smith worldies helped the two-time defending world champion smoke Jamaica 5-0 on Thursday in Mexico. The result clinched a spot in the 2023 Women’s World Cup while inching the team closer to a spot in the 2024 Olympics. 

The United States women’s national team defeated Colombia 3-0 on Saturday in Commerce City, Colorado, during the first of two friendlies. The game was frustrating at times for the USWNT as the team failed to score two penalties and missed a plethora of chances but ultimately got the job done. 

In the end it was two perfect Rose Lavelle assists to Sophia Smith that unlocked the game for the USWNT. There’s a chance that Lavelle has laser vision because these two assists were about as good as it gets.

Jordyn Huitema joined OL Reign on Saturday, joining USWNT stars Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle.

to Seattle, @JordynHuitema! #BoldTogether pic.twitter.com/5smnCxTm88

— OL Reign (@OLReign) June 18, 2022

Tobin Heath is returning to the NWSL after a near three-year hiatus and will team up with USWNT teammates Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle at OL Reign, according to The Equalizer.

Heath has spent the past two years playing in the FA Women’s Super League, spending one year with Manchester United and one with Arsenal. 

With Women’s World Cup qualifying three weeks away, USWNT players are peaking at the right time. Alex Morgan is unstoppable, Sophia Smith and Mal Pugh are lighting up the scoreboards and Rose Lavelle is literally flying.