The defending World Cup and Olympic champions USWNT have set their 18-player squad that will head to Rio in a few weeks. Jill Ellis has picked a group that includes most of the mainstays (Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo, etc.) and some good young players (Mallory Pugh).
The biggest surprise is probably Heather O'Reilly, a fixture in every major tournament since 2004, not making the cut, instead being selected as an alternate. Also, Megan Rapinoe has made the team after rapidly recovering from a torn ACL.
USWNT Olympic Squad
Goalkeepers:
Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)
Defenders:
Whitney Engen (Boston Breakers)
Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars)
Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC)
Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit)
Kelley O'Hara (Sky Blue FC)
Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City)
Midfielders:
Morgan Brian (Houston Dash)
Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC)
Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC)
Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash)
Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC)
Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC)
Forwards:
Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit)
Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride)
Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars)
Mallory Pugh (Real Colorado)
Alternates:
Heather O'Reilly
Ashlyn Harris
Emily Sonnett
Samantha Mewis
The USWNT will be looking to win their fourth consecutive gold medal in Rio, where they have to be considered the favorites.
Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam Klomhaus at Klomhaus@The18.com or follow him on Twitter @SamKlomhaus
