Top 10 USWNT goalscorers of all time
By Abel Folgar
The USWNT has been a commanding force in women's soccer so it should be no surprise that the top 10 scorers who’ve worn the Stars and Stripes have combined for over 1,100 goals.
Three are still active with plenty of goal-scoring opportunities ahead of them. With the Women's World Cup right around the corner, these numbers are bound to change, but for now here's the top 10 goalscorers:
10. Megan Rapinoe – 63
Also, active and with no signs of stopping, Rapinoe has netted 63 times in 199 matches so far. The well-known player with the distinctive hairstyle has made waves on and off the pitch – especially in the more recent political climate of the U.S.
That aside, she has won an Olympic gold medal and two World Cups, scoring six goals at the 2019 tournament earning Golden Ball, Golden Boot, and Best Player distinctions.
9. Christen Press – 64
Christen Press – for some reason – never seems to be on USWNT starting lineups yet somehow, she's managed to rack up 64 goals in 155 matches thus far. The still-active player made her debut in 2013 and has scored at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
In the 2019 edition, her decisive header into Carly Telford's net at the 10th minute, out the U.S. on the road to a 2–1 victory over England.
8. Cindy Parlow – 75
Cindy Parlow might be the current President of the United States Soccer Federation but she also scored 75 goals in 158 caps for the USWNT.
The agile midfielder won two Olympic gold medals in her career and was the youngest member of the 1996 squad. She opened up the tally for the U.S. 2–nil victory over Brazil with a 5th minute goal the Brazilians never recovered from.
7. Tiffeny Milbrett – 100
Tiffeny Milbrett scored a century in 206 caps for the USWNT, including the winning goal against China in the 1996 Olympics.
She was instrumental in the USWNT winning the 1999 World Cup, scoring three goals – the most, for a U.S. side that took the trophy home for the second time in its history.
6. Michelle Akers – 107
Michelle Akers made history scoring 10 goals at a World Cup – a record that still stands – set at the first tournament in 1991. Widely regarded one of the greatest players to defend the Stars and Stripes, she helped guide the USWNT to victories at the '91 and '99 World Cups.
Her 107 goals came in 155 caps for the U.S. and has continued to be a vocal supporter and advocate of the sport since retiring in 2000.
5. Alex Morgan – 121
Alex Morgan has an impressive 121 goals in 206 matches. The still-active player also has the distinction of being the USWNT's highest-scoring mom, scoring over dozen times since giving birth.
After her debut in 2010, Morgan has won two World Cups and an Olympic gold medal earned after her 123rd minute goal against Canada in the semi-final match of the 2012 Olympics. She also netted a glut – five goals – against Thailand in the 2019 World Cup.
4. Kristine Lilly – 130
Kristine Lilly is the most capped player in USWNT history – with 354 appearances for the team between 1987 and 2010. In that time, she scored 130 times, won two World Cups and two Olympic gold medals.
She was a clutch scorer for the team, netting crucial goals during major tournaments, including six in knockout stages.
3. Carli Lloyd – 134
Carli Lloyd earned 316 caps for the USWNT, scoring 134 times. The midfielder who could also deploy as a forward, is best remembered for her 2015 hat-trick at the Women’s World Cup final as the U.S. beat Japan.
She would win the Cup again in 2019, as well as two Olympic gold medals, before retiring in 2021.
2. Mia Hamm – 158
Hamm, a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, scored her 158 goals in 276 games for the U.S. between 1987 and 2004.
The Selma, Alabama native earned two World Cup titles and two Olympic gold medals as well as numerous high-profile endorsements from Gatorade and Nike, among others, making her one of the most recognizable American soccer players of all time.
1. Abby Wambach – 184
USWNT legend Abby Wamnach surpassed Mia Hamm in the goal tally in 2013 before retiring in 2015 with an incredible 184 goals for the Stars and Stripes.
Her goals, earned in 255 caps for the USWNT, put her as the second, all-time female scorer behind Canadian footballer Christine Sinclair who netted 190 times. Wambach also scored 22 of these goals during World Cup and Olympic tournaments.