So the 2019-20 season was a mess, we all know that. On top of everything else that had been cancelled or postponed, we added the Tokyo Olympics to that list. Once upon a time, they were set to take off July 24, 2020.
Why is this so important, you ask? Well, that was supposed to be the date the USWNT returned to play. With the Games now being postponed until July 2021, we have a while before these badass ladies return to the pitch.
Maybe this is a blessing in disguise. The postponement gives Alex Morgan time to train after giving birth to her adorable daughter Charlie.
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And it gives time to other big name players like Megan Rapinoe to return to the pitch safely after the pandemic (hopefully 2021 will see the end of COVID).
During the 2020 SheBelieves Cup, the team’s starting XI against Japan was: GK: Adrianna Franch; LB: Crystal Dunn, LCB: Tierna Davidson, RCB: Abby Dahlkemper, RB: Kelley O’Hara; CDM: Julie Ertz, CAM: Lindsey Horan, CAM: Samantha Mewis; LW: Megan Rapinoe, ST: Christen Press, RW: Tobin Heath
With such a deep bench, the team has had a variety of different lineups — all equally deadly. But some of these players have been out of play due to the pandemic. Most notably Rapinoe, Tobin Heath and Christen Press.
Adding onto that list, Morgan has been out of commission for a minute. While Morgan is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, Lynn Williams has certainly proven herself to be another force. Williams had a breakout season in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup, and she might give Morgan a run for her money …
[ICYMI] @lynnraenie was yesterday's @budweiserusa Woman of the Match!#NoFinishLine pic.twitter.com/eubUnKx0jz
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) June 28, 2020
So when the USWNT returns in all of its glory, here’s its most deadly potential lineup.
GK: Alyssa Naeher; LB: Crystal Dunn, LCB: Becky Sauerbrunn, RCB: Abby Dahlkemper, RB: Kelley O’Hara; CDM: Julie Ertz, CAM: Sam Mewis, CAM: Rose Lavelle; LW: Megan Rapinoe, ST: Lynn Williams, RW: Christen Press
