U.S. WNT Roster for 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup China

Longtime netminder Briana Scurry enters her fourth World Cup, but first as the backup. Still a big-time shot stopper, Scurry thrives in pressure situations.
Nicole Barnhart heads to China as the National Team’s insurance policy. While the third-string goalkeeper is not expected to play at the World Cup, she is a part of the National Team’s plans for the future.

Back on form after son Keegan’s birth in July 2006, Kate Markgraf provides excellent cover and double-teaming capabilities from central defense. She also has the speed to erase any mistakes that seep through the U.S. backline.

Central back Cat Whitehill reads the opposing attack and shuts it down with precision. A valuable weapon on set pieces, Whitehill blasts free kicks from distance, hurls long throw-ins into the box and is a threat in front of the goal on corner kicks.

The most athletic starting back, Christie Rampone handcuffs opposing forwards. When the opportunity presents itself, she also flies up the right flank to fire in crosses.

Calm and composed beyond her 21 years, Stephanie Lopez, the squad’s youngest member, smoothly dispossesses the opposition. The left back often presses upfield and is the team’s most accurate corner kick taker.

A converted forward, Tina Ellertson now utilizes her blazing speed in the defense. Able to play anywhere on the backline, opposing attackers find her difficult to elude as she recovers easily if beaten.

With just two caps entering the World Cup, Marian Dalmy is the team’s most inexperienced player. An outside back, she earned her way onto the roster after Amy LePeilbet and Heather Mitts suffered ACL tears earlier this year.

Recovered from an ACL tear last summer, Shannon Boxx holds down the midfield and dictates the attack’s rhythm. A strong, powerful player, Boxx does not shy from contact while winning tackles and air duels.

A hard worker, midfielder Lori Chalupny serves as the link between the U.S. attack and defense. Capable of zinging shots on goal, her eyes light up when presented with the opportunity to dribble at opposing defenses.

When she’s not cracking blasts into the back of the net, Carli Lloyd handles the attacking midfielder duties with burgeoning confidence. An all-around player, Lloyd has worked hard to improve the defensive side of her game.

A strong header and tackler, Leslie Osborne performed at a world-class level as the team’s starting defensive midfielder when Boxx was sidelined. By connecting short passes and switching fields, she helps the U.S. build its attack.

Angela Hucles provides Greg Ryan with an effective offensive option off the bench. Whether utilized as a midfielder or forward, Hucles distributes sharp passes and looks to get her own shot off.

A fierce, hard-nosed player, Marci Jobson provides the U.S. with further depth at defensive midfield. Unafraid of physical challenges, she loves to mix it up and do the little things to help the U.S. succeed.

Hampered by a troublesome groin injury that may limit her availability at the World Cup, Aly Wagner is blessed with tremendous vision in the attack and delivers passes with aplomb.

The captain, Kristine Lilly, provides a relatively young U.S. side with 300+ caps worth of experience. When not using her guile to flummox defenders, the 36-year-old forward can still crank shots with her stellar left foot.

Averaging nearly a goal per 90 minutes, Abby Wambach is the focal point of the U.S. attack. She dominates the air while taking a beating from opposing defenses.
Heather O’Reilly uses her speed and moves to shed defenders and get endline where she unloads pinpoint serves in front of the goalmouth. She also exerts plenty of effort in the USA’s high-pressure defensive system.

A cerebral forward, Lindsay Tarpley knows how to connect the many elements of the U.S. attack. A well-polished player, Tarpley is an opportunistic finisher in the box.

Providing an excitable Hawaiian flavor, Natasha Kai comes off the bench and pushes full steam ahead for the goal. She drives at defenders without relent and looks to bury the ball in the back of the net.