The U.S. women’s national team might not ever see another player quite like Megan Rapinoe.
The star winger, possibly the only U.S. player to ever break through as part of the national discourse on such a regular basis, will play her last international match Sunday evening.
[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Megan Rapinoe’s final USWNT match” link=”https://sling-tv.pxf.io/zN0gP6″]
Beyond bidding farewell to such a unique player, the USWNT will be looking to build on some positives in what is a strange moment for the program. A poor World Cup has seen the team change coaches, with Twila Kilgore taking charge in this interim period.
There is little time to find a new direction and get back on track, as the 2024 Olympics will see the team head off to Paris in the summer.
As Rapinoe departs the USWNT with 203 caps, two World Cups, and an Olympic gold medal, Jaedyn Shaw and Mia Fishel may well receive their first-ever cap at the senior level.
The U.S. and South Africa have met on three previous occasions, with the USWNT winning each time. On Thursday, the U.S. rolled to a 3-0 win in what was Julie Ertz’s final professional match.
USWNT roster (club; caps/goals)
Goalkeepers (3): Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit; 1), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage; 14), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 96)
Defenders (8): Alana Cook (OL Reign; 26/1), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars; 49/1), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns; 137/24), Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage; 34/1), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave; 21/0), Casey Krueger (Chicago Red Stars; 39/0), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign; 78/1), M.A. Vignola (Angel City FC; 1/0)
Midfielders (5): Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns; 4/0), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC; 3/0), Lindsey Horan (Lyon; 134/29), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit; 26/3), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit; 50/3)
Forwards (9): Mia Fishel (Chelsea FC; 0/0), Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit; 20/5), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave; 212/121), Midge Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 23/4), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign; 202/63), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 23/5), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave; 0/0), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC; 7/0), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 56/17)
USWNT vs. South Africa (international friendly)
- When: Sunday, Sept. 24
- Where: Soldier Field (Chicago)
- Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
- Channel/streaming: TNT, Universo and Peacock
[afflinkbutton text=”Watch USWNT vs South Africa on Sling” link=”https://sling-tv.pxf.io/zN0gP6″]
[afflinkbutton text=”Watch USWNT vs South Africa on Peacock” link=”https://imp.i305175.net/nLAkWX”]
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