The 2011 Women’s World Cup cemented Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan as household names in the U.S. Here are some early contenders to emerge from this year’s competition with much higher profiles.
Lauren Holiday
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Holiday, 27, is not a newcomer to this team, having started all six 2011 Women’s World Cup games and being named to the competition’s all-star team, but she’s expected to be an even bigger part of it this time around. Her 2014 included being named the U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year and winning the NWSL title, taking home the MVP trophy in the championship match. Holiday has sponsorships with Under Armour and Chobani, and is represented by Wasserman Media Group.
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| Photo by: Getty Images |
Sydney Leroux
Leroux, 25, will be appearing in her first Women’s World Cup but is no stranger to international success. Since making her senior-level debut in 2011, she has scored 35 goals in 70 appearances for the national team. The striker likely will be an automatic starter in head coach Jill Ellis’ expected 4-4-2 formation. Off the field, Leroux has appeared in promotional spots for Nike, Beats and Nestlé Nesquik, as well as the ESPN The Magazine’s 2013 body issue. She is represented by Wasserman Media Group.
Julie Johnston
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| Photo by: Getty Images |
Injuries thrust promising defender Johnston, 23, into a quicker-than-expected starting role for the national team, a spot that she has shown she’s capable of filling. Captain of the U.S. team that won the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Johnston has proved not only to be a reliable defender but also a frequent goal scorer, leading many to believe she is the long-term successor to U.S. team stalwart Christie Rampone.
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| Photo by: Getty Images |
Christen Press
Alex Morgan’s status has been in question after suffering a knee injury, while Abby Wambach is more likely to be used by coach Jill Ellis as a super-sub. Enter Press, the 26-year-old forward who has perplexed opponents with her speed and technical ability. Press made her first appearance with the U.S. senior team in 2013 and scored four goals in her first four matches, only the fifth women’s national team player to achieve such a feat. Press has appeared in promotions for Nike and Coppertone, and as a character in “The Simpsons,” alongside Wambach and Morgan.
