The Algarve Cup will begin on March 4 in Portugal where the US will play in a group with Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland.
Megan Rapinoe and Christie Rampone are coming back from injuries and did not play against England or France, but both will play in the tournament.
Goalkeeper Hope Solo was reinstated late last month and has rejoined the roster for the tournament.
This will be the final big test for the US heading into the World Cup, and the first time fans will be getting a glimpse of its stars on the field together this year.
What makes this tournament so important are the facts that Solo, Rapinoe, and Rampone have yet to play this year, and the team has been struggling on the field. Even with a win against England and a somewhat decent performance, they still weren’t top notch.
With all three players back and expected to play, the Algarve Cup will show whether or not the struggles were because of those three absences or because the team really just needs work.
Even though their fellow group opponents are not the toughest competitors in the world, the US still has several doubters and the status of their progress is still up in the air.
They must play hard and be victorious in this tournament to show that they are ready for Canada in June. Especially since, unlike the Algarve Cup, they are in the toughest group in the World Cup, which consists of Sweden, Nigeria, and Australia.
If the US is really ready for the World Cup, it will show in their upcoming performances. However, if there are any signs of struggle, it could be a serious problem, because there are only 2 and half short months after the tournament ends to tie up loose ends.
The US will play their first match of the tournament on March 5 against Norway.
