GK Hope Solo – playing on a last place team, Solo does not receive much protection from her team yet remains the world’s number 1 goalkeeper.
RB Ali Riley – settled in the right-back position, her experience in WPS will have added confidence to her game. Boundless energy, always ready to get forward to support play. Her attacking runs this season showed intelligence, both in positioning herself to intercept and speed down the touchline. Reminds me of former France left back Bixente Lizarazu.
CB Whitney Engen – she is quick and strong, and while her positioning is not bad, she is still developing and gaining experience but showing great promise.
CB Christie Rampone – experience and leadership.
LB Becky Sauerbrunn – one of the most consistent and dependable backs in the league. Good distributor, reads the game well, good 1v1 defender.
MF Shannon Boxx – she has the discipline required of holding mids; she marks closely, resists the temptation to follow the ball but, and at the same time, is always available to receive it.
MF Formiga – timeless. Excellent possession midfielder with good passing range.
MF Sonia Bompastor – quality in and out of possession, intelligent, creative and she also tracks back, a vital requirement at this level.
F Wambach – probably the most dangerous “box†player in the world.
F Kelly Smith – after a season slowed by injuries last year, Smith’s game this season has returned to her usual high standard.
F Marta
4 Comments
Riley is a left back for FCGP. I do think she could play either outside back position so I won’t give you too hard a time about it
She could play RB, LB, RM, LM.
Pretty versatile.
True. Riley is gifted. As I said, I don’t disagree re: a Best XI spot for her.
I do disagree about Solo, though. She’s had some uncharacteristic flubs and I think not had the same high level of play we expect from her. Perhaps that puts the bar too high.
You maybe be right. For me Solo still is a top goalkeeper playing for a team with little support.