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The U.S. Women's National Team will open its 20th Algarve Cup in Portugal today with a match against longtime rival Norway, the only other women's soccer team to win an Olympic gold medal. The match kicks off at 2 p.m. ET and will be shown on FOX Sports 1, and Seattle Reign FC players Hope Solo, Megan Rapinoe, and Sydney Leroux are expected to suit up for the squad.
Nine teams that qualified for the 2015 Women's World Cup will be competing in the Algarve Cup, including top-ranked teams Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, and Sweden. The USWNT face Switzerland on March 6 (12 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1) and finish Group B play on March 9 against Iceland (1:30 p.m. ET, not televised).
What to Watch
- After a disappointing showing in the four-team Tournament of Brasilia in December, and a 2-0 loss to France in February, the USWNT have a lot to prove leading up to the World Cup in June. Are they ready to compete?
- While the USWNT relies on veteran leadership, Norway is led by 22-year-old midfielder Kristine Minde, 20-year-old midfielder Caroline Graham Hansen, and 19-year-old forward Ada Hegerberg.
- Can U.S. coach Jill Ellis figure out her midfield? Ellis relied on Morgan Brian and Lauren Holiday to hold down the midfield in the last two matches against France and England, with Carli Lloyd being pushed out to the left. Holiday, who many believe is best suited to play further up the field as a distributor, has been sitting further back and playing more defensively. With Megan Rapinoe returning from injury, we'll likely see Lloyd return to her more natural position in the center.
- For the first time in a few months, the USWNT has all their starters healthy and on the roster. Alex Morgan is back after a few ankle injuries last year; Hope Solo is back from suspension; and Megan Rapinoe, Sydnex Leroux, and Christie Rampone have returned from minor injuries.
How to Watch
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, March 4, 11 AM Pacific
Venue: Municipal Stadium, Vila Real de San Antonio, Portugal
TV: FOX Sports 1
Online: Streaming through Fox Sports Go