Jill Ellis has officially named the 18 players she plans to defend the gold medal with at the Olympic Games in Rio this August. A roster that has, as she calls it, “an excellent balance” of players both young and old. Perhaps even more important, and somewhat overshadowing the entire announcement, is that both Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd are on this roster. Both sustained major injuries several months back and this tournament will be the first real action either have seen in some time.

The U.S. will open its Olympic games on August 3 against New Zealand (6 p.m. ET), then face France on August 6th (4 p.m. ET) and close up group play against Colombia August 9 (6 p.m. ET). Their group raises possibilities for upsets and an early exit, however, given the core group of players Ellis is bringing with her, it would be hard to imagine the USWNT not advancing from this group.

Alex Morgan will be expected to lead the line in Rio. (Photo credit: USA Today)
Alex Morgan will be expected to lead the line in Rio. (Photo credit: USA Today)

Traditionally, the USWNT have done exceptionally well at the Olympic games. The USA won the first-ever gold medal back in 1996, captured silver in 2000, and now look to make an even great mark on history by going for their fourth consecutive gold medal. The odds heavily favor the USWNT, however, the like of France, Canada, and host nation Brazil will have a lot to say about what team brings home the gold this summer.

Coach Ellis also named four alternate replacement players that will travel with the team. Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, defender Emily Sonnett, and midfielders Sam Mewis and Heather O’Reilly.

Check out the full roster below that will wear the red, white and blue in Rio this summer.

2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Soccer Team Roster by Position:

GOALKEEPERS (2)

Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)

DEFENDERS (6)

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 (6)

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 (4)

Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (Real Colorado)

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Baxter Colburn
Sports Broadcaster and Journalist. Host/Producer of Whats the Score? The Sports News Quiz and 2 Up Front Soccer Show.