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Possible USWNT Lineups for the 2015 Algarve Cup

By Danielle King

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Oct 26, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; United States forward Abby Wambach (20) prior to the CONCACAF Women’s Championship against Costa Rica at PPL Park. Team USA won 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The USWNT is currently in Portugal, getting ready for next week’s 2015 Algarve Cup. Head coach Jill Ellis has trotted out a number of different starting lineups, both in terms of formation and personnel. All this tinkering is supposed to give the coaches answers as they head into the World Cup warm-up season. The team has 100 days to get themselves ready to avenge a still-soul-crushing loss in the 2011 finals. Assuming Ellis is still committed to the 4-3-3 formation, here are some lineup ideas by position (and their depth chart rotations) that would be encouraging to see as Canada 2015 approaches:

Goalkeeper

Jun 19, 2014; East Hartford, CT, USA; USA goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris is called for a tripping penalty against France Louisa Necib in the first half in the Women’s Friendly at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Harris (Naeher, Solo)

Harris is the most experienced national team keeper under age 30, and she still has less than ten caps. I think Harris stands to benefit more than anyone else on this team by getting reps in a friendly international tournament, particularly behind a stalwart back line (more on this later). I do worry about Harris being a little bit injury-prone, so as a last resort, these games should probably go to Naeher.

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    • This selection is as much about the perks for the number-two keeper as it is about the limitations that can be placed on the number-one. Solo is a known quantity, and is a keeper of sufficiently high quality that she could probably go without playing a single full match until April (the New Zealand friendly is scheduled for April 4; the NWSL club season kicks off April 10, and Seattle’s first game is on the 12th). She might even be able to wait until the three-game international home-stand in May. This would be the time for the coaches to recognize that anything can happen to their first-choice keeper; the backup needs the confidence that comes from time spent in goal.

    Next: Defensive Line

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