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Women’s World Cup: 5 players to watch in USA vs France quarterfinal

By Coley Gallagher

REIMS, FRANCE - JUNE 24: #3 Samantha Mewis of USA competes for the ball during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Round Of 16 match between Spain and USA at Stade Auguste Delaune on June 24, 2019 in Reims, France. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images)
REIMS, FRANCE - JUNE 24: #3 Samantha Mewis of USA competes for the ball during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Round Of 16 match between Spain and USA at Stade Auguste Delaune on June 24, 2019 in Reims, France. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images) /
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LE HAVRE, FRANCE – JUNE 20: Rose Lavelle of the USA is put under pressure by Caroline Seger of Sweden during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France group F match between Sweden and USA at Stade Oceane on June 20, 2019 in Le Havre, France. (Photo by Matthew Lewis – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
LE HAVRE, FRANCE – JUNE 20: Rose Lavelle of the USA is put under pressure by Caroline Seger of Sweden during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France group F match between Sweden and USA at Stade Oceane on June 20, 2019 in Le Havre, France. (Photo by Matthew Lewis – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) /

2. Rose Lavelle – USA

Rose Lavelle plays attacking midfielder for the United States Women’s National Team and her club team the Washington Spirit. Lavelle is grace on the ball, quick and light-footed with a deft touch. Her skill allows her to give and get unexpected opportunities on goal. She is best known for her creativity, but in the 2019 Women’s World Cup, Lavelle has done work at both ends of the field.

Lavelle joined the USWNT in 2015 and made her debut in 2017. Until the World Cup, most of her international experience has been against CONCACAF sides. Lavelle scored two goals in her World Cup debut against Thailand. Of course, the games got harder after that. That’s when she really went to work. Lavelle and her fellow midfielders bossed the middle during the Sweden game  — she links up particularly well with her good friend Sam Mewis. The midfield dominance of Sweden allowed the US to finish the Group Stage without conceding a goal.

The Round of 16 match against Spain was tougher. Lavelle’s play in the Spain game was quiet, unremarkable and necessary. She tracked back and helped her defense close down attacks. She made interceptions and defensive tackles to win back the ball. The game with Spain also showed Lavelle’s confidence has grown. As the game wore on with the two sides tied, Lavelle charged the box, taking a ball off her well-marked teammate, striker Alex Morgan.

Lavelle didn’t have a shot exactly. She seemed more like she wanted to make sure the US opportunity stayed alive. So, she picked off the ball and dribbled through the box towards the left side. As she did, Lavelle was fouled, earning her side a penalty. Megan Rapinoe made the shot, putting the US ahead. Lavelle’s vision and nimbleness make her a joy to watch. Her proven willingness to do the unremarkable for her team make her a quiet threat against France.

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