The end is near. Tomorrow, Megan Rapinoe will wear the USWNT jersey for the very last time. It is the end of an era for the 38-year-old star, as women’s soccer has never seen anyone quite like her. It would be a void that the United States may struggle to fill. But the veteran has herself made that task simple for her country, as she identified not one but three players who will carry the torch for the USWNT after her departure.

Just days ago, in their first international friendly against South Africa, the USWNT bid goodbye to Julia Ertz with a 3-0 win. Now, the second game will see them part ways with Megan Rapinoe.

Megan Rapinoe names three players to succeed at USWNT after her exit

Prior to her farewell game, Rapinoe gave an interview in which she reflected on the future of the team without her presence. While insisting she’s excited for the young ladies, Rapinoe believed that the team possesses a “crazy amount of talent and potential”. The OL Reign star revealed that during this year’s World Cup, she saw the youngster’s character and work ethic.

Interestingly, it led her to label three players who will succeed at USWNT after her exit. She said, “The World Cup will be a great learning lesson for them moving forward, but I feel like I think that’s why I have such peace also about moving on is I look at players like Soph Smith or Naomi, Trinity, like the squad is in very, very good hands if those are the ones that are holding it moving forward and obviously still veteran players involved.”

Rapinoe was also impressed by the professionalism displayed by the younger players and their conduct on and off the field. She also underlined players’ off-field dedications as well, including Naomi’s rallying efforts for mental health. “I feel like so many players on the team right now will take sort of the disappointment from this tournament but turn it into something really beautiful,” she concluded.

In the eyes of Rapinoe; Sophia Smith, Naomi Girma, and Trinity Rodman are the ones who will successfully carry the USWNT. Indeed, all three stars would be happy to get praise from their legendary teammates. Certainly, the young ladies’ shoulders have a significant responsibility. However, the question remains: can they live up to Megan Rapinoe’s expectations?

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Is the new face of the USWNT ready to lead?

This year’s World Cup roster of the USWNT was a fusion of both the veterans and the youngsters, led by Vlatko Andonovski. Despite being favored, they experienced a premature exit, which also led to the departure of the Serbian coach. But now, USWNT has a chance to regain the dominance that they once had. The new faces like Sophia Smith, Naomi Girma, and Trinity Rodman are definitely the perfect candidates to lead the team.

But that certainly won’t be possible without a coach who can collectively lead such a group and bring the best out of it. There’s no doubt about the players’ potential; it’s just that a few pieces of the puzzle are still missing. Once completed, it certainly will come out as good as a Da Vinci masterpiece.

READ MORE: “Y’all Gonna Miss Us” – Megan Rapinoe Pens Emotional Message for USWNT Legend Julie Ertz Hours Before Farewell Game