5 Biggest Questions For USWNT Heading Into 2016

By Douglas Smith

The victory tour for the USWNT ended with Abby Wambach’s final match last week. Coach Jill Ellis gets to focus on the summer with some unanswered questions. It is time to put last summer’s triumph behind them and focus on what is next.

Douglas Smith is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

Related: Top Moments From Abby Wambach’s Career

5 Biggest Questions For USWNT Heading Into 2016

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What is Christie Rampone's Future? — Rampone has been another candidate for retirement since last summer's World Cup. However, she has not alluded to retirement in any fashion yet. The center back will turn 41 years old over the summer and missed time recently with a bone bruise. If Rampone is still physically capable of playing in the 2016 Olympics, there is a case to be made for her leadership ability. Regardless, it will be a tough decision for Ellis, who has fewer roster spots at her disposal.

Who Takes Over for Lauren Holiday? — Lindsey Horan is the leading candidate right now, but Ellis has not worked out other options to join Morgan Brian and Carli Lloyd in the midfield. Rose Lavelle made the most recent camp, but did not get playing time. She is one of the most creative midfielders in the player pool. No one will ever replace Holiday, but Ellis must find a sufficient starter.

When Will Megan Rapinoe Return? — Rapinoe is no stranger to major knee injuries. However, it is unlikely that she will make it back in time for the Olympics. Rapinoe will turn 31 years old over the summer, so rehabilitation will likely be more taxing. Some are questioning if Rapinoe can make it to one more World Cup. Rapinoe has remained optimistic.

Will Hosting a Tournament Outside the Algarve Cup Prove Beneficial? — Players love the location of the Algarve Cup, but the USWNT is skipping it to host their own tournament. It will prove more lucrative for the team, especially if it is France, Germany and England filling out the list of teams. Of course, the bigger benefit is playing good teams in preparation for the Olympics. Hopefully all the kinks are worked out well in advance and it is beneficial for all involved.

Who Makes the Olympic Roster? — The Olympic roster is smaller than the World Cup roster. Only two keepers will go and there are questions all over the lineup. Versatility will be key, so Kelley O'Hara and Crystal Dunn are locks. Whitney Engen sat on the bench for the World Cup and might not make it to Brazil next summer. One of the strikers that went to Canada will likely stay home with the top candidate currently being Sydney Leroux. The USWNT will have one match before Olympic qualifying, so there is not a lot of time to impress coach Ellis.

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