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2 USWNT players to watch during this World Cup year

By Caden Charpentier

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 6: Sam Coffey #14 of the United States looking for the ball during a game between Nigeria and USWNT at Audi Field on September 6, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Erin Chang/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 6: Sam Coffey #14 of the United States looking for the ball during a game between Nigeria and USWNT at Audi Field on September 6, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Erin Chang/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 10: Sam Coffey #14 of the United States controls the ball against Germany during the women’s international friendly match between United States and Germany at DRV PNK Stadium on November 10, 2022 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 10: Sam Coffey #14 of the United States controls the ball against Germany during the women’s international friendly match between United States and Germany at DRV PNK Stadium on November 10, 2022 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

2. Will Sam Coffey be a crucial piece for the USWNT?

The 24-year-old midfielder, Sam Coffey has made just four appearances for the USWNT, coming off the bench in three while playing all 90 minutes against Nigeria in a friendly in 2022. To the shock of many, Coffey failed to make it on the pitch in the United States two contests in New Zealand this past month. Vlatko Andonovski chose to play Taylor Kornieck, Andi Sullivan, and even Rose Lavelle in the No. 6 position.

Each player brings their own style and talent in the midfield, but it still needs to be clarified why Andnovski did not give Coffey any time on the pitch against an opposition where she should thrive. Coffey may not have the same attacking prowess as Kornieck or Lavelle, but her defensive talent, and ability to control the game could be an invaluable asset for this team, especially against the top-level competition they will face in the World Cup. In this upcoming SheBelieves Cup in February, Andnovski has to look at Coffey for a position that the team has not finalized yet with the World Cup just a few months out.

Many thought they knew who the three in the middle were going to be for the USWNT heading into the clashes against New Zealand, but right off the bat, Andnovski threw Kornieck at the defensive six. As one of the youngest players on the roster with a team that possesses a bunch of veterans, it could be difficult for Coffey to make her way into the lineup.

The New York native made the most interceptions on the NWSL-winning club this past season with 50 in all competitions. For someone that just began to play professionally in the NWSL a year ago, her composure as a midfielder is quite extraordinary. She led Portland in total corner kicks taken, demonstrating that she could be used in set pieces if called upon.

In her rookie season for the Portland Thorns, Coffey started in 22 of the 23 matches she played in during the regular season including the NWSL semifinal, and final. The former Penn State midfielder earned a spot on the NWSL Best XI in just her first season, helping her club to just their third NWSL Championship in franchise history. The bottom line is Coffey has not been given much time on the pitch for the USWNT, but with the SheBelieves Cup kicking off in a few weeks, and then the regular season in the NWSL soon after, she is a player to watch given the qualities that she can bring to a midfield three.

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