The USWNT players to watch out for in Tokyo

United States women’s soccer team head coach Vlatko Andonovski has announced the 18-player roster for this summer’s Olympic Games in Japan.

Andonovski spoke numerous times about the difficulty of this decision, given the immense amount of talent available. All players who were part of the winning squad of the 2019 Women’s World Cup have made the list, aiming to add more silverware to the collection.

The USWNT roster features a diverse cartel with unparalleled experience from each player, inspiring the team to enter the Olympics as frontrunners. The addition of Houston Dash midfielder Kristie Mewis, however, came as a huge surprise as she joins her younger sister Sam in the squad. Andonovski excluded big names like Ashlyn Harris and Allie Long, leaving the the veterans out for younger athletes.

Here are the five players to watch out for in Tokyo...

5. Tobin Heath

Heath is on the hunt for her third Olympic medal after standing as one of only two survivors from the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

Along with teammate Carli Lloyd, Heath is a double Gold medalist aiming to bring the third one home this time around in Tokyo. Despite the experience, her journey to Tokyo has not been an easy one.

In January she suffered an ankle injury while training with Manchester United, followed by a separate knee injury in April. Her Olympic participation had been in major doubt, but Andonovski confirmed she is back and ready to stun audiences as she best does.

4. Kristie Mewis

This is the first time Mewis has been featured in an Olympic roster. The Houston Dash midfielder has been extremely vocal about her goals to make the list after her difficult journey to recovery.

Starting in 2014, Mewis suffered a string of major injuries that prevented her from reaching her maximum form. It wasn’t until 2019 that the 30-year-old began to feel like herself and commenced her comeback. That same year, Mewis found her way into the national team again as she started thriving for her NWSL side.

She remains in competition with Rose Lavelle, her sister Sam and Julie Ertz for a spot on the pitch, but should she feature, Mewis will not disappoint audiences.

3. Abby Dahlkemper

Despite the NC Courage’s best efforts, Dahlkemper remains a Manchester City player and will return to England following the Olympics to see out the rest of her contract.

Dahlkemper has become one of the best and most reliable center back options in women’s football, explaining her presence in the Olympic roster. Throughout the years, she has slowly cemented her place alongside Becky Sauerbrunn to defend the USWNT at all costs.

Though her position might not be the most glamorous in football, Dahlkemper definitely utilizes a style that makes it difficult not to notice.

2. Christen Press

Press has provided unreal support for the USWNT, being directly involved in 34 of the last 36 goals for the United States in all competitions. Her latest goal against Nigeria served as a clear indicator that she would secure a spot in the Olympic roster.

She might not be a new face on the team, but she definitely is a favorite. Press can be seen all over the pitch, inspiring action at any given moment.

Her involvement in all positions makes her a crucial part of the team and one of the most entertaining players to watch.

1. Rose Lavelle

World Cup champion and NWSL player Lavelle is headed to Tokyo as expected. The midfielder has been a regular in the USWNT squad, playing a crucial run in the 2019 World Cup run by scoring in multiple pivotal matches and sealing the score in the final game with a second goal.

She has recorded 14 goals and nine assists in 55 appearances for the national team. Lavelle currently plays for the OL Reign in Seattle after a brief stint in England with Manchester City, where she won the Women’s FA Cup in November 2020. She’s an intricate player, making a defender's job difficult when she gets through to the opponent’s half.

Lavelle’s ability to turn a dull play into one of thrill makes her one of the most exciting players to watch out for during the Olympic Games.