The U.S. women’s soccer squad wants to become the first nation to win the Olympic gold medal a year after capturing the Women’s World Cup. Head coach Jill Ellis announced Tuesday the 18 women who will be tasked with accomplishing that unprecedented feat.
The Americans have won the past three Olympic gold medals.
The squad in Rio will be led by midfielder Carli Lloyd, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year. She’ll be joined by goalie Hope Solo and midfielder Tobin Heath on their third Olympic teams.
Midfielder Megan Rapinoe, forward Alex Morgan and defenders Kelley O’Hara and Becky Sauerbrunn are set for their second Olympic appearances.