Anytime that international soccer teams go up against each other, there are always going to be tough matchups; especially in a tournament like the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This tournament features the best of the best Women’s Soccer Players all going for one of the greatest prizes in sports.
Thus far the United States Womens’ Soccer Team has a 1-0-1 record, as the ladies pulled out a last-minute draw versus the Netherlands. Helping to save the day is team captain Lindsey Horan and getting the ladies a huge point.
With the tie the USWNT is on the top of Group E and tied with the Netherlands, but the road isn’t going to get any easier as the team is preparing to take on Portugal.
These teams are no stranger to each other, as they have met ten times previously. In their most recent match Portugal defeated Vietnam 2-0. Thanks to this win, the team is in contention for a spot in the knockout rounds as they go up against the USWNT.
This match is going to have so many feels for the USWNT, as one of the stars of the team Savannah DeMelo has dual citizenship from both the US and Portugal.
DeMelo is the third player ever to make a U.S. World Cup roster without previously earning a cap and was a starter in the USA’s first two matches.
DeMelo along with Andi Sullivan share their thoughts with the media after the team’s training session on July 29….video is compliments of U.S. Soccer/Veritone
A bit more on DeMelo, as the midfielder played five years at the University of Southern California. Savannah was able to make 75 appearances, scoring 17 goals and 28 assists, while being named to the All-Pac 12 selection, including All-Freshman team honors in 2017.
The Midfielder was a huge part of the Trojans making it to the NCAA Tournament in her five-year time span, and it is thanks to her play she was picked fourth in the 2022 NWSL Draft.
Since then, Savannah has played with Racing Louisville, making appearances in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup and also being featured on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10.
Fans from the Washington D.C. Area are going to be very familiar with the name Andi Sullivan, as the midfielder has made a huge impact with the Washington Spirit.
In her time played with the Spirit, Andi has started in 10 matches, played in 750 minutes, scoring one goal and helping on one assist. Sullivan played a huge role in the teams magical 2021 NWSL Championship run, as she was the captain of that team.
Sullivan is also a big part of ‘Team USA,” as she is one of six players to play every minutes so far at this World Cup.
These are just two of the many to watch for as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Tournament, and the USWNT team play continues. Match #3 versus Portugal is going to be played on August 1 at Eden Park in Auckland with the start time set for 3:00 a.m. ET on the Fox network.
For more information on the USWNT fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:
USWNT | World Cup Champions | U.S. Soccer Official Site (ussoccer.com)