From Carli Lloyd to Ali Krieger: All USWNT Legends Lining Up to Represent US Women in TST

The much-anticipated ‘TST,’ better known as ‘The Soccer Tournament,’ has officially kicked off. While the men’s tournament has expanded to 48 teams, excitement is running high for the inaugural women’s category, where 8 teams will compete for a million-dollar prize over four days. Among the competing sides, all eyes are on the US Women, who are playing in the tournament for the second time, having played alongside the men’s side in the previous installment. That being said, the question looms: which USWNT icons will dust off their cleats to represent their nation in the competition?

A 20-women squad has been confirmed by the US Women that will be competing in the tournament. Starting with the goalies, Jill Loyden and Lindsey Harris are enough for the job between the sticks. Next up are defenders, with former Gotham FC star Ali Kreiger set to lead the backline alongside, Cat Whitehill, Nikki Phillps, and Tessa Dellarose. 

Interestingly, for the center half of the pitch, Heather O’Reilly is the obvious name, with former Portland Thorns star Allie Long joining her. Others included the likes of Bella Samber, Jo Lohman, Jodie Taylor, Kennedy Kessler, Lori Lawson, Lori Lindsey, Meleana Shim, and Talia DellaPeruta. Finally, ex-North Carolina forward Alex Kimball, ex-Kansas City’s Casey Loyd, Stephanie McCaffrey, and Tori DellaPeruta are expected to take up goalscoring duties up front.

Leading the team is iconic USWNT coach Carla Overbeck. She will have the assistance of many other renowned names, including Bill Pallondino, Carli Lloyd, Collen Hacker, Jennifer Mead, and Kacey White. Additionally, Kendall Fletcher White, Lisa Pittaro, Mia Hamm, Michelle Akers, and Wendy Palladino will also help Overbeck with the tactic board.

Indeed, the presence of such legendary names makes the upcoming tournament even more interesting. While the roster looks set, let’s take a look at their opponents.

The USWNT legends will be facing some interesting teams in TST!

The US Women are drawn in Group A, where they will face Wrexham Women’s Red Dragons, NWSL’s Angel City, and Streetball Canada. Meanwhile, Group B consists of the JJ Watt-owned Burnley FC women, NWSL side North Carolina Courage, Soccerhead FC, and future USL Super League side Tampa Bay Sun FC. All group matches will be concluded between June 7-8.

The next round features direct semifinal clashes that take place on June 9. The first contest will see the winner of Group A face the second-place holder of Group B, while the second-placed side of Group A will face the winner of Group B in the other semifinal fixture. The winners from these semifinal clashes will then face each other in the finals, which will be played on June 10.