The biggest stars on the U.S. women’s soccer team, Hope Solo and Abby Wambach, both delivered in Sunday’s stunning quarterfinal comeback against Brazil. But some lesser-known names could play a significant role in Wednesday’s semifinal against France. Here are three:
Becky Sauerbrunn » The former Washington Freedom and Virginia defender hasn’t played a minute in four games but could be marshaled into action due to the red-card suspension of Rachel Buehler. Sauerbrunn, 26, is a success story of WPS, where she was the Freedom’s most reliable player over two seasons in Washington. Eight of her 10 appearances for the U.S. have come this year.
Alex Morgan » Wambach’s trademark header to tie the score against Brazil overshadowed the finishing woes that have plagued the U.S. in Germany. Plenty of observers believe Morgan, 22, is more dynamic than Wambach or Amy Rodriguez, and deserves to edge one of them out of a starting job. The question against France won’t be if Morgan will be play, but how early she gets in.
Louisa Necib » Like Sauerbrunn, diminutive French winger Sonia Bompastor made an impression in Washington for the Freedom, but few Americans had seen Necib, the driving playmaker for France, before the last two weeks since she plays for Lyon. Despite her crucial central role, the 24-year-old was questionably substituted in the second half against England. Her presence might’ve helped France avoid a penalty kick shootout, and U.S. midfielders Shannon Boxx and Carli Lloyd will have their hands full keeping track of her.
