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From Last Chance to the American Messi: The Rise of Rose Lavelle

Related Topics: Lionel Messi, Rose Lavelle

It was September of last year, and the next great American soccer player was being given one last chance.

Paula Wilkins, head coach of the Wisconsin women's soccer team, was in her office in Madison on the phone with Jill Ellis, head coach of the U.S. women's national team.

Ellis wanted to bring Rose Lavelle, Wilkins' star, into camp. She'd watched as Lavelle dominated at the U-20 level and had seen flashes of brilliance from the player in previous looks with the senior national team. But Ellis had also seen inconsistency. And injuries. One time, it'd be a thigh strain.