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USWNT World Cup 2023: 5 key players who can help the US win it all

By Oliver Hunt

Apr 11, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; U.S. Womens National Team forward Sophia Smith (11) leaps past Republic of Ireland Womens National Team defender Louise Quinn (4) during the first half at CITYPARK. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; U.S. Womens National Team forward Sophia Smith (11) leaps past Republic of Ireland Womens National Team defender Louise Quinn (4) during the first half at CITYPARK. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 24, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Wave FC defender Naomi Girma (4) kicks the ball against OL Reign during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Wave FC defender Naomi Girma (4) kicks the ball against OL Reign during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports /

Key players for the USWNT at the Women’s World Cup: 4. Naomi Girma

With the unfortunate loss of Becky Sauerbrunn, all eyes will be on the backline this summer. But States fans shouldn’t be too worried about it when they’re in the capable hands of center-back Naomi Girma. Although just 24 years old, Girma has been so impressive in her two seasons with the San Deigo Wave

She was the first NWSL player ever to win both Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year in 2022. Girma has been a key component to the backline of the team for a while now, building her momentum and chemistry with Cook and Sauerbrunn. Not to mention those dangerous long balls that open up space and create chances for her sprinting teammates Trinity Rodman, Lynn Williams, and Sophia Smith.