Alex Morgan Named 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover Model
May 8, 2019
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Forward Alex Morgan of the United States Women's National Team looks on during the game against Belgium at Banc of California Stadium on April 07, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. This was the seventh
United States soccer star Alex Morgan was announced as one of three 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover models on Wednesday:
— Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) May 8, 2019
This marks Morgan's third appearance in the Swimsuit Issue, and this year she'll be joined by three of her teammates: co-captain Megan Rapinoe, Crystal Dunn and Abby Dahlkemper.
"I felt like it was important to really show the diversity of this team, as well as show the youth and the experienced players," Morgan said.
Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd Headline USA's 2019 Women's World Cup Roster
May 2, 2019
COMMERCE CITY, CO - APRIL 4: United States Women's National Team players celebrate with Alex Morgan #13 after Morgan scored her 100th international goal against Australia at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on April 4, 2019 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)
The United States' women's national soccer team released their squad list Thursday for the upcoming 2019 Women's World Cup, headlined by the likes of Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Mallory Pugh.
The team released a short video to hype the announcement:
The Americans will start the 2019 World Cup as defending champions and face Thailand, Chile and Sweden in the group stages. They'll play three friendlies in May before their first World Cup match on June 11 against Thailand.
The Stars and Stripes haven't been at their best so far in 2019, falling well short of expectations in the SheBelieves Cup and winning only four of their seven matches this year.
The squad boasts plenty of talent, however. The defence is led by the likes of Becky Sauerbrunn and Ali Krieger, while Julie Ertz and Lindsey Horan are among the standouts in midfield.
The inclusion of Krieger is a surprise. PerDoug McIntyreof Yahoo Sports, the 34-year-old has played only once for the team in the last 25 months, featuring in the 6-0 rout of Belgium.
Sports writer RJ Allen questioned the decision, as well as the inclusion of Morgan Brian:
I do not understand Ellis not taking McCall Zerboni or Casey Short.
I do not understand her taking Ali Krieger or Morgan Brain.
The Stars and Stripes' biggest strength lies in attack, where Morgan and Lloyd are supported by the likes of Pugh, Christen Press and Megan Rapinoe.
Alyssa Naeher will be the likely starter in goal in what will be her first major tournament in that role. The 31-year-old will be tasked with filling the big gloves left behind by Hope Solo.
Carli Lloyd's 2 Goals Lead USWNT to Win vs. Belgium in Friendly
Apr 7, 2019
The US's Carli Lloyd (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Belgium during the International Women's friendly football match between the US and Belgium at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on April 7, 2019. (Photo by Mark RALSTON / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)
The United States women's national team gained more momentum on its way to the World Cup with a 6-0 win over Belgium in Sunday's international friendly.
Three days after a 5-3 win over Australia, the offense was impressive once again with Carli Lloyd leading the way with two goals and an assist at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles.
The Americans used their athleticism to dominate in this one with five headed goals in the game. Alex Morgan was the only one to use her legs, scoring in the second half to help seal an easy victory for the home team.
The squad is now 4-1-2 so far in 2019, although this was the first match of the year against an opponent not headed to the World Cup.
Carli Lloyd Must Be Part of Starting XI at World Cup
At 36 years old, Lloyd remains a part of the United States roster but has had a reduced role over the past couple of years. It appeared she would be relegated to a spot on the bench behind younger, more dynamic offensive players.
However, she showed Sunday what she can do when in the lineup.
The veteran scored her first goal of 2019 with a header in the 14th minute and then got her second just five minutes later:
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 8, 2019
Belgium isn't the strongest opponent, but Lloyd was very active throughout the game and showed the type of impact she can have in the middle of the field.
Several observers pictured a similar impact at the World Cup:
With 107 career goals during international play, she has certainly shown a knack for finding the back of the net. You can trust her to come through with a strong finish if it comes to her in a key part of a match.
Even if she doesn't score, her reputation will force the defense to give her extra attention, which will open things up for the rest of her teammates.
The veteran proved this with a beautiful assist to Morgan in the second half:
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 8, 2019
Lloyd might not be able to play 90 minutes every match in France, but she should be given as much of an opportunity as she can to make a difference.
USWNT Should Rely on Experienced Back Line
Defense has been a significant concern for the United States over the past year, and the three goals allowed against Australia last game raised more question marks.
The constant shifting in personnel has been problematic, not only with different players in the lineup but also as they move into different positions.
However, Sunday's match was a move back to normalcy for the Americans.
Ali Krieger got her first start in about two years, but it was the 99th cap of her international career. Julie Ertz was shifted back to defense, where she starred during the 2015 World Cup.
Then there was Becky Sauerbrunn, who is one of the most reliable players on the roster and was making her 155th career cap.
This veteran lineup was a change after the team relied upon the less experienced Emily Sonnett and Abby Dahlkemper last match. Crystal Dunn was also used at left back against Australia but was shifted further up the field against Belgium, where she looked more comfortable.
The USWNT seemed much more effective when its veterans were on the back line and preventing any easy looks at the net.
With the World Cup only months away, head coach Jill Ellis needs to turn to the players she can trust the most.
What's Next?
The United States will prepare for its last set of friendlies in May before the FIFA World Cup in June. The team will host South Africa, New Zealand and Mexico as part of its send-off series.
United States Beats Australia 5-3 as Alex Morgan Scores 100th Career Goal
Apr 5, 2019
The No. 1 U.S. women's national team took to the Dick's Sporting Goods Park pitch against No. 6 Australia on Thursday night and left Commerce City, Colorado, with a 5-3 victory.
The match was the U.S. women's final contest against a top-10 opponent prior to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, which kicks off June 7 in France.
The U.S. debuted their World Cup away kits, and forward Alex Morgan broke hers in the best way possible with her 100th career international goal in the 14th minute. Morgan weaved her way down the left side before striking the ball in the center of the box.
Australia midfielder Lisa De Vanna silenced the celebration in the 29th minute with the equalizer as the U.S. defense left her alone in the box. The Matildas capitalized on sloppy U.S. play quickly after halftime with a goal from forward Caitlin Foord in the 47th minute to give Australia a 2-1 lead.
Frustration boiled over into a yellow card for the U.S.'s Megan Rapinoe in the 49th, but Tobin Heath tied the contest back up in the 53rd minute when she headed a cross into the back of the net. Heath had been the one predominantly creating chances for the U.S. in the first half.
Rapinoe then redeemed her earlier card in the 61st minute, scoring from the top of the box to give the U.S. a 3-2 lead.
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 5, 2019
The 33-year-old exited in the 66th minute when hometown prodigy Mallory Pugh subbed on for her. Just 38 seconds later, 20-year-old Pugh made her presence known by capitalizing on cheeky passing in the box to extend the lead to 4-2. She chipped in her second of the night to seal it in the 95th minute.
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 5, 2019
The U.S. came away with the win but struggled to close it out as Australia forward Samantha Kerr cut the U.S. lead to 4-3 in the 81st minute. The Matildas had several chances afterward to leave Colorado with a tie, but the U.S. defense did just enough to hold.
Tepid Defensive Showing a Reminder U.S. Can't Take Favorite Status for Granted
Australia's three goals marked the fourthtime since the start of 2019 that the U.S. has conceded multiple goals, which is a stark regression from the team shutting out eight of nine opponents to end 2018.
The Americans are heading to the World Cup favored to defend their 2015 title, but the defense has a lot to tighten up between now and June. All three of Australia's goals Thursday night were products of poor form in the back third.
To start, De Vanna was left wide open to streak down the left side of the box, allowing her to square up and zip the ball into the top left corner past U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
The American attack snapped into form in the second half and finished the game with 17 shots (11 on goal), but the same was not true of the defense.
Just two minutes into the second half, central midfielder Julie Ertz played a poor ball into the middle of the field intended for Morgan. It was intercepted instead, and Foord carved through six defenders to give her side a 2-1 lead.
Not the start to the second half the USWNT wanted 😬
"Can't win a World Cup if you're letting in goals like that right now," Fox Sports 1 analyst Alexi Lalas said after the match. "You want to go with [head coach] Jill Ellis, you wanna go to the World Cup this summer and just try to out-gun and outscore teams, you're gonna come up against somebody who can score more goals than you or you're gonna come up against somebody that's better [at] defending than you.
"It's a problem. They cannot be letting in these types of goals."
During their World Cup run in 2015, the U.S. gave up just three goals total and shut out five opponents. The back four then was Ali Krieger, Meghan Klingenberg, Julie Ertz and Becky Sauerbrunn.
On Thursday night, Ertz started at central midfielder while Sauerbrunn was the only remaining defensive piece from 2015. Alongside her were Crystal Dunn, Abby Dahlkemper and Emily Sonnett. Krieger, meanwhile, sat on the bench, did not play and hasn't seen minutes since April 2017.
Dunn, Dahlkemper and Sonnett were not on the 2015 World Cup roster, while Dunn is transitioning from forward to defense.
Ellis, per the FS1 broadcast, aims to have her World Cup roster finalized prior to the team's next friendly on May 12. The back four will undoubtedly be the unit at which she looks the hardest.
What's Next?
The U.S. women will next face off with Belgium on April 7 at 9 p.m. EST from Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles. View the U.S.'s full Countdown to the Cup schedule at the official website.
Australia's first World Cup game will be against Italy in Group C play on June 9.
Video: Watch Alex Morgan Score 100th Career Goal for United States vs. Australia
Apr 4, 2019
COMMERCE CITY, CO - APRIL 4: Alex Morgan #13 of the United States celebrates with Megan Rapinoe #15 after scoring her 100th international goal against Australia at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on April 4, 2019 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)
After being stuck on 99 the past two games, Alex Morgan made history with her 100th international goal during the United States women's national team's friendly against Australia on Thursday night.
It was a goal in the 14thminute that not only put the U.S. on top but also earned her a spot in the record books:
Her next goal would break a tie with Tiffeny Milbrett, and she sits just five goals back of teammate Carli Lloyd for fifth. Abby Wambach, one of Morgan's former teammates, is the all-time leading scorer in women's soccer history with 184 career international goals.
Paul Carr of TruMedia Networks provided some interesting statistics on Morgan's prolific scoring abilities:
Now that this milestone is out of the way, Morgan can turn her full attention toward this summer's Women's World Cup.
Former USWNT Teammates Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris Announce Engagement
Mar 13, 2019
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 04: (L-R) U.S. Women's Soccer players Ashlyn Harris, Allie Long and Ali Krieger attend the 2017 DIRECTV NOW Super Saturday Night Concert at Club Nomadic on February 4, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for DIRECTV)
U.S. Women's National Team goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris and Orlando Pride teammate Ali Krieger will marry later this year after the pair confirmed their engagement on Wednesday.
People's Jason Duaine Hahn reported the announcement, noting how the two met and became close as former teammates at international level back in 2010.
Harris revealed the plans for marriage, while Krieger explained why she accepted a proposal from the 33-year-old: "I think that I'm very quiet and reserved. Since being with Ash, I really feel like I've blossomed into the woman that I want to be, and she's helped me become the woman I am."
Harris explained what attracted her to Krieger: "It was her big, beautiful brown eyes. She has these unbelievable tiger eyes. I just felt like every time she was talking, I wasn't even paying attention to what she was saying."
Krieger said the pair kept their relationship under wraps to avoid it becoming a distraction. Harris said both agreed "now is the right time" to declare the relationship publicly and described it as a "massive weight off of my shoulders."
"Finally, after all these years, I just feel like I don’t have to hide anything or feel like I’m not living up to the community I’m in.” Congrats, @alikrieger & @Ashlyn_Harris! https://t.co/sghNJZwpXb
— NCLR – National Center for Lesbian Rights (@NCLRights) March 13, 2019
Hahn detailed how the engagement proposal took place during a picnic at Clearwater Beach on September 15 of last year.
US Women's Soccer Honors Serena Williams, Beyonce, More with Jerseys vs. England
Mar 2, 2019
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 16: Abby Wambach #20 walks off the field with Alex Morgan #13 of United States after Morgan was injured against during the game against China at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 16, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
When the United States women's national soccer team squares off against England in the 2019 SheBelieves Cup in Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday, the likes of Alex Morgan, Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe will take the field—but they will do so without their own names on the backs of their jerseys.
Instead, they will celebrate the spirit of the tournament by sporting the names of some of the most influential women in history.
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) March 2, 2019
From Mother Teresa to Beyonce to Jennifer Lawrence to Mia Hamm, there was a wide range of individuals selected. But regardless of who each player chose to honor, there was special reasoning behind the decision.
Here's a look at some of the choices, per the team's official website:
Crystal Dunn on Serena Williams: "I love her. Serena Williams has been my idol for a very long time. I actually watched her play before I was even watching women's soccer. She inspired me to be an athlete and inspired me to want to be at my best. She's someone that has broken down so many barriers, and that's hard to even put into words."
Mallory Pugh on Beyonce: "She's a badass. She's confident and is just a good role model for women in general because she represents something that is so much bigger than herself. She's inspiring in her industry and all over the world. She is a person who allows and shows women that they can be who they are and flaunt it."
McCall Zerboni on Mother Teresa: "I picked Mother Teresa because she is the ultimate definition of selfless love and serving for others without getting anything in return."
As for Morgan, the reigning U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year used the opportunity to pay tribute to someone who helped her evolve into the player she is today—former teammate and USWNT all-time leading scorer Abby Wambach:
"I kept trying to think of who I wanted on the back of my jersey and who has been the biggest inspiration to me both in my career and in my life. It's difficult to pick someone that I haven't met, but you obviously think of people like Michelle Obama or Billie Jean King. These are people I definitely look up to, but when I think about who has had the greatest effect on my career and my life, I think of my family and my teammates.
"And when I think of my teammates, there's no one who has helped guide me or give me advice and confidence more than Abby. I've never had that sort of partnership with someone like I had with Abby. She made me believe in myself at times when I didn't. She instilled this confidence in me. She was always there for me, and as teammates sometimes fighting for the same position, you can sometimes be selfish, but she was completely opposite of that. She wanted to have success, but she also outwardly told me that she wanted me to have more success than she ever had. She wanted me to break whatever records she set. Having someone that really fought and believed in me and told me about her belief in me was pretty incredible. I've never come across someone like that."
Wambach was honored by Morgan's gesture:
This honor was as meaningful to me, as any championship I’ve won. Amazing idea! All the feels. Thank you @alexmorgan13 and all the @USWNT players for being such badass roll models. :) #SheBelieveshttps://t.co/cQDt2xKImG
A special tournament just added a little more meaning.
USA vs. Japan Women's Soccer: Date, Time and Live Stream for SheBelieves Cup
Feb 27, 2019
ALICANTE, SPAIN - JANUARY 22: Christen Press of The United States celebrates after scoring her sides first goal with her teammate Rose Lavelle during the Women's International Friendly match between Spain and The United States at Estadio Jose Rico Perez on January 22, 2019 in Alicante, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
The United States women's national team will start their defence of the SheBelieves Cup on Wednesday, when they face Japan at the Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania.
The contest, a repeat of the 2011 and 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup finals, is expected to be an absorbing one between two teams blessed with numerous attacking stars.
The USWNT and Japan will battle it out with Brazil and England, who meet earlier in the day at the same venue, to be crowned as champions in the tournament.
While this event does carry plenty of prestige, all the sides involved will be using these matches to refine preparations for the World Cup, which starts on June 7.
The two teams will have mixed memories of locking horns previously, as Japan and the United States have each won finals at the expense of the other in the last two World Cups.
In Canada four years ago, it was a memorable day for the United States, as they were able to exact revenge on their opponents for their 2011 victory, running out 5-2 winners:
The SheBelieves Cup represents ideal preparation for the World Cup, as the four teams involved will play three matches in quick succession in a group-stage format. There are 10 players remaining in the squad for this tournament who were involved in the USWNT's run to glory in 2015.
For manager Jill Ellis, it's a chance to see how her squad copes with the demands of so much high-intensity football in such a short space of time. As such, those involved in the tournament opener against Japan will not want to relinquish their place.
The U.S. head into this tournament on the back of mixed results in their recent tour of Europe, as they suffered a 3-1 defeat to France and then responded with a 1-0 win over Spain.
Despite the victory against Spain, there were times when the USWNT struggled to grasp their usual control of the game, as Tru Media's Paul Carr illustrated with the following numbers:
#USWNT had 43% possession in the first half vs Spain.
That’s the second-lowest first-half possession for the USWNT in any of its 63 games since the start of 2016 (June 2016 vs Japan).
Japan have always been a fierce rival to the USWNT, and while they will be the underdogs going into this game, they shouldn't be underestimated.
After a disappointing Tournament of Nations last year, when they lost three times in succession—the USWNT beat them 4-2—manager Asako Takakura has led a recovery. Japan won the Asian Games with five wins in a row and hammered Norway 4-1 in a friendly in their previous outing.
The United States represent a major step up in class, though, and with a home crowd behind them, Ellis' team will be tough to beat.
While the USWNT have some frailties at the back Japan may be capable of exploiting, the hosts' firepower will see them over the line in an entertaining fixture.
Prediction: United States 3-2 Japan
Christen Press Leads United States to 1-0 Friendly Win over Spain
Jan 22, 2019
ALICANTE, SPAIN - JANUARY 22: Christen Press of The United States celebrates after scoring her sides first goal during the Women's International Friendly match between Spain and The United States at Estadio Jose Rico Perez on January 22, 2019 in Alicante, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
The United States women's national team bounced back from a recent defeat to France, with the visitors winning 1-0against Spain in an international friendly in Alicante on Tuesday.
Christen Press' wonderful solo strike was the difference, with the Californian scoring after 54 minutes.
Press was the outstanding talent on the pitch, but Spain showed they could be a dark horse at the forthcoming 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France.
United States Respond Positively After France Defeat
ALICANTE, SPAIN - JANUARY 22: Andrea Pereira of Spain competes for the ball with Alex Morgan of The United States during the Women's International Friendly match between Spain and The United States at Estadio Jose Rico Perez on January 22, 2019 in Alicant
The recent loss to France had American fans worried, but the U.S. bounced back against a cultured Spanish team.
Spain comfortably qualified for the forthcoming Women's World Cup, winning all eight of their qualification matches in style.
La Roja were the current world champions' equals in the first half, but the U.S. upped their work rate just as the Spaniards began to flag with fatigue.
An incredible sprint and run from Press broke the deadlock after the 30-year-old's shot was deflected into the net in the second half.
Press continued to link well with Alex Morgan, and the pair were dangerous as Spain deserted their principles of possession football.
This was the first time the nations had met in the women's game, and Spain will have learned much against their illustrious opponents.
Morgan was impressive as she worked tirelessly in attack, but the forward was denied a goal after seeing an effort disallowed for offside in the first half.
The belief was present from the U.S. as the match progressed, and the penetration that was clearly missing against France was evident.
ALICANTE, SPAIN - JANUARY 22: Amanda Sampedro Bustos of Spain competes for the ball with Lindsey Horan of The United States during the Women's International Friendly match between Spain and The United States at Estadio Jose Rico Perez on January 22, 2019
The U.S. continued to endeavour to score a second, and they were the better side against a less experienced team.
Spain showed they could be contenders in the years ahead, but for now the U.S. remain a cut above their standard.
What's Next?
The U.S. feature against Japan in the 2019 SheBelieves Cup in Chester, Pennsylvania on February 27. Spain are next in action at the Women's World Cup in France as they face South Africa on June 8.
USA vs. France Women's Soccer: Date, Time, Live Stream for 2019 Friendly
Jan 19, 2019
FRISCO, TX - OCTOBER 14: Alex Morgan of USA celebrates after scoring a goal during the semifinal match between Jamaica and United States as part of CONCACAF Women's Championship at Toyota Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
The United States women's national team will continue their preparations for this year's FIFA Women's World Cup on Saturday, when they meet France in a friendly encounter.
The match is the first of a European double-header for Jill Ellis' team, as they visit Spain on Tuesday for the second game of the tour. This showdown at the Stade Oceane looks set to be the tougher of the two fixtures.
For France, the encounter is a chance to lay down a marker. A win over the world champions would be a huge boost to the team, especially with the upcoming World Cup set to be held on French soil.
PARIS, FRANCE - DECEMBER 08: Jill Ellis, coach of the United States arrives at the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 Draw at La Seine Musicale on December 8, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
So often when they play on home soil in friendly matches, the USWNT aren't pushed to their limit in terms of physicality and technical ability. Saturday's game should therefore be a demonstration of where they are at.
France are blessed with tremendous quality, and looking ahead to the World Cup later in the year, they will be one of the favourites for glory in front of their supporters.
This and the Spain fixture will give Ellis a chance to assess her options in a competitive environment and potentially extend the impressive 28-game unbeaten streak the team is currently on too. LiveSoccerTV broke down the size of the challenge that France face on Saturday:
USWNT is undefeated in their last 28 games. Don't miss their clash with 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup host France.
Unsurprisingly, Ellis has called up a strong squad for this European tour and the match against France will likely give us the clearest insight into what she thinks her starting XI will be for the World Cup.
In Alex Morgan, she is blessed with a forward coming off one of the the standout years of her career. In terms of individual accolades and awards, she had a standout 2018 and will be hoping to kick on again this year:
If she were to net twice on this tour, Morgan would reach 100 goals for the national team; it's a landmark only six other American footballers have reached in the women's game.
The USWNT has spent a week in Portugal prior to these matches at a training camp, meaning there should be no signs of rustiness.
France's forward Eurgenie Le Sommer (C) is congratuled by her teammates after scoring a goal during the friendly football match between France and Mexico, on September 1, 2018 at the Licorne stadium in Amiens, northern France. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
That will be key against a France team that have earned two wins and two draws from their past eight matches against the United States, suggesting they are closing the gap. They are third in the FIFA world rankings and have won their past seven games in all competitions.
A big crowd is also expected in Le Havre, as excitement begins to build ahead of the World Cup. Those who do attend are poised to get an even, high-quality encounter between two teams that will be tough to separate on the night.
