Women's World Cup 2015

And they say soccer isn't a major sport in the USA ... Ha! Congrats to the world champs @ussoccer_wnt ! pic.twitter.com/qhzCDISB1t

— Stuart Holden (@stuholden) July 10, 2015

It was only a few days ago that New York City finalized the details on the USWNT parade. That didn't stop an estimated crowd of about 12,000 from lining the streets in Manhattan. But those numbers don't quite tell the story as well as Stu Holden's photo.

Nice hat you've got there, @mPinoe! pic.twitter.com/LWdA3OZVzd

— Seattle Reign FC (@SeattleReignFC) July 10, 2015

How lucky are we to have her in Seattle? So, so lucky.

The eight-player shortlist for the FIFA Women's World Cup Golden Ball (best player) pic.twitter.com/gVK976E5AQ

— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) July 2, 2015

Megan Rapinoe joins U.S. teammates Julie Johnston and Carli Lloyd on the eight-player shortlist for the FIFA Women's World Cup Golden Ball award, given to the best player in the tournament. Rapinoe has a goal and assist in the tournament, but those stats alone don't fully highlight her importance on the team. Her run into the box earned a penalty against Colombia, which Carli Lloyd scored, and she's been one of the most important creative playmakers on the team. The Reign accolades don't end there. Hope Solo is also in the running for the Golden Glove award. While she hasn't been forced to make as many saves as other keepers in the tourney, Solo has came up big when she was needed. Congrats on the nominations, Pinoe and Solo!

RT Jotta210: #USWNT #USAGER #FIFAWWC #SheBelieves #USA pic.twitter.com/mqINpo9SdD http://t.co/aiP402FgZn dvrivera

— Womens WorldCup News (@FIFANEWSCANADA) July 1, 2015

How does Megan Rapinoe get her team pumped for a World Cup match against Germany? With some awesome air drumming. She is the best.

#USA : Solo; Sauerbrunn; Lloyd (c); Krieger; Holiday; Morgan; Brian; Rapinoe; Heath; Johnston; Klingenberg. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/i99zOcTdpj

— FIFA Women'sWorldCup (@FIFAWWC) June 30, 2015

The starting lineups are out for the U.S. v. Germany semifinal match in the Women's World Cup. Seattle Reign players Megan Rapinoe and Hope Solo are both in the starting XI, to nobody's surprise. After her strong performance against China, Morgan Brian also earns a spot in the starting lineup. Hopefully, this means Lauren Holiday can push into a more attack-focused position. She was deadly with FC Kansas City in this role last year. While others are listing this lineup as a 4-3-3, it appears the USWNT may be going with just one forward. Germany has shown vulnerability on the flanks, so Rapinoe and Tobin Heath could be given more room to push the attack and find space behind Germany's outside backs.

#USWNT Starting XI for tonight! WATCH #USAvCHN at 7:30 p.m. ET on @FOXTV and @NBCUniverso…#ComeTogether pic.twitter.com/kE8OU496gv

— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) June 26, 2015

There were several changes in the United States lineup for Friday's quaterfinal against China. Amy Rodriguez is perhaps the most notable addition, as her replacing Abby Wambach is purely choice. Kelly O'Hara replaces Megan Rapinoe (yellow card accumulation) and Morgan Brian replaces Luren Holiday (yellow cards).