World Cup 2015: Picking a Potential USWNT Starting XI

The 2012 Olympic Games are done and dusted and the women’s international game is about to begin a three-year lull without a major tournament.

In the 2011 Women’s World Cup, the USWNT suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Japan on penalty kicks in the final. Two weeks ago, the U.S. was able to exorcise those 2011 demons by defeating Japan 2-1 for Olympic gold.

Now looking forward to the 2015 World Cup, let’s take a look at the potential starting XI for the USWNT.

Goalkeeper: Hope Solo

Solo will be 34 by the time the next World Cup rolls along, but that is an age at which keepers are usually hitting their peak.

And, currently, Solo seems to be playing her best soccer yet as she demonstrated with multiple key saves to keep the U.S. ahead of Japan in the Olympic final.

If Solo’s abilities do begin to fade, Nicole Barnhart, Jill Loyden and Ashlyn Harris are waiting in the wings, as well as Bianca Henninger who won the Golden Glove award for the U.S. at the U-20 World Cup in 2010.

Left Back: Kelley O’Hara

Despite a couple of hiccups against Canada in the Olympic semifinal, O’Hara has been a consistent performer for the USWNT over the past eight months since she was converted to a defender.

O’Hara provides great service from the left, an ability to get forward, good speed in recovery and tough tackling.

It’s her spot to lose.

Center Back: Becky Sauerbrunn

While Sauerbrunn has been confined mainly to a substitute’s role over the past two years with the USWNT, she has been Team USA's main backup at center back.

If Christie Rampone decides to retire (she is 37 after all), Sauerbrunn is her natural replacement.

Even though Sauerbrunn does not have Rampone’s speed, Sauerbrunn is solid in possession and that is something her center back partner, Rachel Buehler, needs.

Center Back: Rachel Buehler

Buehler has been a mainstay along the U.S. back line through the 2011 World Cup and the 2012 Olympic Games.

Although she does sometimes get caught in possession, Buehler has the speed and experience needed at the back.

If Buehler slips however, Amy LePeilbet, who will be 33 by the next World Cup, could be around to take her place.

Another contender for the job will be Whitney Engen.

Right Back: Ali Krieger

Krieger missed the 2012 Olympic Games after suffering an ACL injury during Olympic qualifying in January.

However, Krieger was a key component of the USWNT’s 2011 World Cup run and should make a strong challenge to regain her spot in the lineup.

Meghan Klingenberg could be another option for the U.S. as an outside back. Or, perhaps a late career position change could be on the horizon for Heather O’Reilly or Amy Rodriguez, both of whom have a great deal of experience as wingers and could be converted into attacking defenders.

Outside Midfielder: Tobin Heath

Heath had some up-and-down performances in the 2012 Olympic Games, but repeatedly showed a level of technical proficiency and passing skill that few players can match.

With an offensive weapon like Alex Morgan, the USWNT needs a player like Heath, who does extremely well finding seams in the opposing defenses for her through balls.

And while Heath still has a tendency to dribble into traffic too frequently, that is something that will get better with more top international experience.

Center Midfielder: Lauren Cheney

It’s hard to believe that Cheney is only 24 years old. Her understanding of the game, versatility and skill set seem so much more mature.

Cheney has started for the USWNT in major tournaments as a center midfielder, an outside midfielder and as a forward over the past two years and done well at all three positions.

Her move to center midfield over the last six months has helped calm possession for the U.S. and helped elevate the USWNT’s style of play. She has also shown in that time that she is willing to do the dirty work in front of the defense by winning tackles and tracking back defensively.

Center Midfielder: Carli Lloyd

It might be tough to think that Carli Lloyd will retain her starting spot over the next three years and enter the 2015 World Cup as the USWNT’s starting center midfielder at the age of 33.

However, as Pia Sundhage found out, Carli Lloyd loves to prove people wrong.

Shannon Boxx, who at 35 is still playing at a high level, is almost certain to retire before 2015, making the job Lloyd’s to lose.

Outside Midfielder: Megan Rapinoe

Rapinoe demonstrated in the 2012 Olympic Games that she is, quite simply, one of the best players in the world.

Her ability and willingness to run at defenders, her ability to serve terrific balls into the box, her inventiveness and her ability to score big goals will continue to make her one of Team USA's most important players going into 2015.

Forward: Alex Morgan

At 23, Morgan is just hitting the top of her game. Entering the 2015 World Cup, it is not crazy to assume Morgan will be the most feared striker on the planet.

Her ability to run behind defenses, finish shots off-balance and from crazy angles and draw defenders to open up her teammates is amazing.

Forward: Abby Wambach

This is the most difficult pick to make because by 2015, Wambach will be 35 years old and already has young forwards like Sydney Leroux and Christen Press nipping at her heels.

However, Wambach proved this summer that her game is still at a top level, that she plays best on the big stage and that she is highly motivated by past failures.

With the USWNT placing third during Wambach’s appearances in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups and second in 2011, a World Cup trophy in 2015 would be the crowning achievement of Wambach’s already storied career.

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