World Cup Corner

To complete the U.S. national team, it boasts of a roster of the best goalkeepers and defenders that head coach, Greg Ryan, coached well. With new heroines and trusted ones, the U.S. national team is definitely empowered with the right mix of players to make it the team to beat. The profile of the team’s goalkeepers and defenders is, by all means, completely imposing.

Leading the team of goalkeepers is young Hope Solo. At the early age of eighteen, Solo was already a part of the national team. Solo received her big break when Brianna Scurry left her post temporarily. She took over the position and showed her potential and value as she started seven out of the team’s total of nine games in 2005. It was, however, her impressive performances as a goalkeeper in the 2006 Four Nations and Algarve Cup that ensured her role in this year’s World Cup lineup. As a relatively young player, she is now showing much promise for the team as she continues to flourish and grow into a polished member of the national team.

Following Hope Solo in the lineup is Brianna Scurry, a popular name in women’s football after an unforgettable performance at the World Cup in 1999. Because of her stellar performance and intelligent tactics while on the field, she has nurtured a longtime post as the number one keeper for the team. Her take-charge attitude and strong defensive skills definitely make up for whatever spark she has lost over the years.

The lineup of goalkeepers is unexpectedly completed by Nicole Barnhart. A member of the national team that surprised a lot of people, Barnhart’s small roles in the past may not seem enough to secure her a position in the World Cup roster. Nonetheless, Ryan may have seen much promise in the All-American athlete despite her absence in the football scene during the past two years.

Aside from the three powerful goalkeepers, the U.S. national team is also made up of six powerful defenders. In the lead is Cat Whitehill, an upcoming legend that is said to be the heir apparent to legendary center back Joy Fawcett. Based on Whitehill’s pace, however, many people are guessing that she will eventually surpass Fawcett and will be the most capped defender in the history of women’s football. In all aspects, Whitehill is one of Ryan’s most promising players. The team is counting heavily on Whitehill’s ability to anticipate and respond intelligently to problems that may otherwise foil spectacular plays. She also has less celebrated but equally stunning offensive skills.

Moving on, the national team will not be complete without a trusted, unfailing veteran in its midst. With Christie Rampone on the back line, Ryan will certainly have that part of the game covered. Having played in the 1999 World Cup, and the 2003 World Cup where she even started four games, Rampone still retains her glory in the field despite her age.

An upcoming legend and an unfailing veteran after, Ryan still found the need to add yet another powerful addition to his team. The anticipated return of Kate Markgraf is further highlighted by her inclusion in the World Cup roster. After giving birth during the past year, Markgraf lost no time in getting back in shape and was able to play during the final extended minutes of the Four Nations Cup. This proves just how genuine and enduring Markgraf’s skill is. She and Cat Whitehill together proudly bring a total of almost 400 games’ worth of experience to the national team.

Budding star Stephanie Lopez is also an essential part of the national team. Impressively the only active college member of the team, Lopez needs to sacrifice most of her senior year to be able to play for this year’s World Cup. She is now considered as a forerunner and a willing player for Ryan’s unpredictable tactics. Her strong skill in defense will definitely be a strong point for the team.

Known for her speed, Tina Ellertson has definitely been marked by destiny to be part of the national team. After almost ending her career due to an unexpected pregnancy before she started college, she is now in a secure position in the world of women’s football. She is also known as a versatile player, based on the wide array of roles she has played on the field.

Finally, to complete the lineup is Marian Dalmy. Dalmy’s inclusion was probably the biggest surprise regarding the roster. Due to an injury and a rather mediocre history, not a lot of people could have guessed that she would make it to the final lineup. However, her potential and her size, which also earned her a West Coast Conference Player of the Year award in 2006, fits perfectly into Ryan’s vision for his team.

Definitely a winning team, people can now only speculate whether Ryan made the best possible choices when he gathered round his players for the 2007 World Cup tournament.