USWNT vs. Iceland
Date: October 24, 2024
Venue: Q2 Stadium; Austin, Texas
Broadcast: TBS, Universo, Max, Peacock
Official Kickoff Time: 6:37 p.m. CT / 7:37 p.m. ET
Starting XI vs. Iceland: 1-Alyssa Naeher; 4-Naomi Girma, 5-Jenna Nighswonger, 6-Lynn Williams, 7-Alyssa Thompson, 9-Mallory Swanson, 10-Lindsey Horan (Capt.), 14-Emily Sonnett, 16-Rose Lavelle, 17-Sam Coffey, 23-Emily Fox
Available Subs: 2-Ashley Sanchez, 3-Korbin Albert, 8-Hailie Mace, 11-Sophia Smith, 12-Emily Sams, 13-Olivia Moultrie, 15-Jaedyn Shaw, 18-Casey Murphy, 19-Hal Hershfelt, 20-Casey Krueger, 24-Yazmeen Ryan, 26-Emma Sears
Not dressing: Jane Campbell, Eva Gaetino, Alyssa Malonson
GAME NOTES| FIVE THINGS TO KNOW
- USWNT Starting XI Cap Numbers (Including this match): Horan (157), Naeher (113), Lavelle (107), Swanson (101), Sonnett (100), Williams (72), Fox (58), Smith (56), Girma (41), Coffey (25), Nighswonger (16), Thompson (10)
- In tonight’s starting lineup, 10 players hail from the 2024 Olympic Roster; forward Alyssa Thompson is the sole non-Olympian in the XI. Six of the 11 starters — Alyssa Naeher, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, and Mallory Swanson – participated in the Olympic gold medal match against Brazil, while Emily Sonnett and Lynn Williams were second-half substitutes.
- The average age of the starting lineup is 27.8 years, with players accumulating an average of 72 caps each.
- By starting tonight, defender Emily Sonnett will achieve her 100th cap for the USWNT, making her the 45th player in the team’s history to reach 100 international appearances, and the fourth this year, alongside Naeher, Lavelle, and Swanson. Sonnett made her debut for the USWNT nearly nine years ago on October 25, 2015, in Orlando, Florida, and she played in all six matches at the 2024 Olympics, starting in the group stage finale against Australia and the quarterfinal victory over Japan. As a two-time Olympian, Sonnett joins four other players in this roster who have won both Olympic Gold and a World Cup: Horan, Lavelle, Naeher, and Swanson.
- After serving as captain in the Olympic gold medal match, Lindsey Horan will lead the team again, marking her 18th start of 2024, the highest on the team. Horan scored during the USA’s last visit to Austin in April 2023 and was among eight players to start all six matches in the Paris 2024 Olympics, contributing two assists in the USA’s opening victory over Zambia.
- Returning for her 113th cap, Alyssa Naeher was the first goalkeeper ever to secure a shutout in both a Women’s World Cup Final and an Olympic gold medal match. This year, she has recorded nine shutouts in 15 appearances for the U.S., tying her personal best for shutouts in a calendar year. Naeher achieved four shutouts at the Paris Olympics, including three consecutive clean sheets during the knockout stages.
- Naomi Girma will secure her 41st cap for the USWNT after a fantastic performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she played every minute of all six games. Girma is the only field player to have played every minute in the last 10 matches for the USWNT at the World Cup and Olympics, helping the defense to maintain seven clean sheets during that timeframe.
- Jenna Nighswonger, with just 10 caps before the Olympics, will make her 16th international appearance and ninth career start. This is her first experience in a world championship at any level for U.S. Soccer; Nighswonger participated in five matches in Paris, coming off the bench in every game except the gold medal match.
- Lynn Williams will take the field for her third start of 2024, marking her 72nd cap overall for the USWNT. A two-time Olympian, Williams competed in all six matches at the Paris 2024 games and scored on her fourth touch during the group stage win over Germany on July 28.
- Tonight, Alyssa Thompson will earn her third career start and her first appearance for the USWNT in over 10 months. Thompson, who will receive her 10th cap, last played for the U.S. in a victory over China PR on December 5, 2023, in Frisco, Texas. Her previous two starts occurred in the lead-up to the 2023 Women’s World Cup, against Ireland (April 2023) and Wales (July 2023). The 19-year-old is the youngest player in tonight’s starting lineup and one of three teenagers on this roster, alongside Olivia Moultrie (19) and Jaedyn Shaw (19).
- Mallory Swanson returns to the pitch for her 11th start and 13th overall appearance in 2024 after scoring the gold medal-winning goal in her 100th cap in Paris. Swanson was the leading scorer for the U.S. at the Olympics, netting four goals and contributing two assists that directly impacted six of the USA’s 12 goals. She currently leads this roster with 38 international goals, two of which were netted in the USA’s last encounter with Iceland in February 2022.
- Rose Lavelle will achieve her 107th cap, marking her 15th appearance and 10th start for the USWNT this year. Lavelle started all five of her matches at the 2024 Olympics, missing only the gold medal game. She has provided three assists this year for the U.S., tying for fourth on the team, and joins camp in excellent form for NJ/NY Gotham FC, having scored a career-high seven regular-season goals.
- Sam Coffey, having played a vital role in midfield during the USA’s gold medal run, will make her 16th start and 18th appearance of the year for the USWNT. The 2024 Olympics marked her first world championship experience at any level, where she started five matches, missing just the quarterfinal against Japan due to yellow card accumulation. Coffey ranks fifth on the team in total minutes played this year, accumulating a career-high 1,293 minutes.
- Emily Fox excelled in her first Olympics, starting all six matches and logging more minutes (572) than any USWNT field player except for Naomi Girma. As she makes her team-leading 19th appearance of the year, Fox ranks third on the team with 1,383 total minutes played in 2024, surpassing the 1,000-minute mark for the second consecutive year.
USWNT Prepares for Clash Against Iceland: Starting XI and Key Player Insights for October 24, 2024
Match Overview
The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) is gearing up for a highly anticipated match against Iceland on October 24, 2024. As both teams prepare for this thrilling encounter, fans are eager to see how the USWNT’s starting XI will shape up and which players will shine on the pitch. With recent performance trends and player fitness levels coming into play, this article will provide insights into the expected lineup, key player highlights, and strategies for success.
Current Form and Team Dynamics
As the USWNT approaches this match, their recent form has shown a combination of impressive victories and areas for improvement. The team’s cohesion and chemistry are crucial for achieving a favorable result, especially against a competitive opponent like Iceland. Let’s take a look at the current form of the USWNT and their most effective strategies.
Recent Matches
The USWNT has had a mixed bag of results in their last five matches:
- Win against Canada (3-1)
- Draw with Brazil (2-2)
- Win against Japan (4-0)
- Loss against Germany (1-2)
- Win against Nigeria (5-0)
This record highlights the team’s ability to score goals while also indicating some defensive vulnerabilities that may need addressing before facing Iceland.
Expected Starting XI
With the match day approaching, coach Vlatko Andonovski is expected to field a strong lineup that balances experience and emerging talent. Here’s a breakdown of the likely starting XI for the clash against Iceland:
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Alyssa Naeher | Chicago Red Stars |
| DF | Crystal Dunn | Portland Thorns |
| DF | Becky Sauerbrunn | Portland Thorns |
| DF | Alana Cook | OL Reign |
| DF | Emily Fox | Nashville SC |
| MF | Rose Lavelle | OL Reign |
| MF | Andy Sullivan | Washington Spirit |
| MF | Kristie Mewis | Houston Dash |
| FW | Alex Morgan | San Diego Wave |
| FW | Mal Pugh | Chicago Red Stars |
| FW | Trinity Rodman | Washington Spirit |
Key Player Insights
As the match against Iceland looms, several players are expected to be pivotal for the USWNT’s success. Here’s a closer look at some key players to watch:
Alyssa Naeher (Goalkeeper)
Alyssa Naeher is a seasoned goalkeeper whose shot-stopping ability and leadership on the field are invaluable to the team. With a strong performance against Nigeria, she is looking to build momentum and keep a clean sheet against Iceland.
Alex Morgan (Forward)
As one of the most experienced attackers, Alex Morgan’s goal-scoring prowess will be critical. With her ability to create chances and finish them clinically, she is expected to be a constant threat to the Icelandic defense.
Rose Lavelle (Midfielder)
Rose Lavelle’s creativity and vision in midfield can unlock defenses and provide scoring opportunities. Her knack for timely runs and precise passing will be essential in controlling the game.
Trinity Rodman (Forward)
A rising star in the USWNT ranks, Trinity Rodman has shown tremendous skill and pace. Her ability to take on defenders and create scoring chances makes her an exciting player to watch in the upcoming match.
Strategies for Success
To secure a victory against Iceland, the USWNT needs to employ effective strategies that leverage their strengths:
- High Pressing: Utilizing a high press can disrupt Iceland’s buildup play and create scoring opportunities from turnovers.
- Quick Transitions: Quick transitions from defense to attack will exploit gaps in Iceland’s defensive structure.
- Wing Play: Utilizing the pace of players like Mal Pugh and Trinity Rodman on the wings can stretch Iceland’s defense.
- Set Pieces: Capitalizing on set pieces can be a significant avenue for scoring, especially with tall and powerful players in the box.
Case Studies: Previous Encounters with Iceland
The USWNT has faced Iceland multiple times in the past, with a generally favorable record. Here are some notable encounters:
| Date | Match Type | Result |
|---|---|---|
| August 14, 2021 | Friendly | USWNT 5 – 0 Iceland |
| January 18, 2020 | Friendly | USWNT 2 – 0 Iceland |
| November 12, 2017 | Friendly | USWNT 3 – 0 Iceland |
Practical Tips for Fans
Fans preparing for the match can enhance their viewing experience with these tips:
- Know the Schedule: Mark your calendar for October 24, 2024, at [Match Time].
- Watch the Pre-Match Coverage: Tune in early to catch expert analysis and player interviews.
- Engage on Social Media: Follow the USWNT’s official accounts for live updates and interact with fellow fans.
- Wear Team Colors: Show your support by wearing red, white, and blue!
First-Hand Experiences from Players
In the lead-up to the match, players have shared their excitement about facing Iceland. Here are a few quotes:
- Alex Morgan: “Iceland is a tough opponent, but we’re ready to show our strength and unity.”
- Rose Lavelle: “Every match is an opportunity to showcase our growth as a team, and I’m looking forward to it!”
Conclusion
As the USWNT prepares for their clash against Iceland on October 24, 2024, the anticipation builds among fans and players alike. With a strong starting XI, key players ready to perform, and strategic plans in place, the team is set to face this challenge head-on. Stay updated for live match coverage and support the USWNT as they aim for another victory!
