USWNT

United States forward Trinity Rodman expects the defending Women's World Cup champions to be "ruthless" at this year's tournament and is confident they can win a third straight title despite the absence of several key players due to injuries.

Captain Becky Sauerbrunn, this year's leading scorer Mallory Swanson and midfielders Catarina Macario and Sam Mewis have all been ruled out of the global soccer showpiece, which kicks off on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand.

The USWNT touched down in Auckland, New Zealand, at around 7 a.m. local time on Tuesday, July 11. Now, with just 10 days to go until the USA Women's World Cup schedule begins with an opening match against Vietnam on July 21, the team needs to battle jet lag, adjust to the time difference and establish normal routines as soon as possible.

We’re heeeeeere!!!!!!

Auckland, New Zealand pic.twitter.com/n8iEXX4VKr

In front of a sellout crowd at PayPal Park in San Jose, the USWNT battled to a 2-0 victory over Wales in their send-off match before the World Cup thanks to Trinity Rodman's brace off the bench.

The U.S. struggled to breakdown Wales' compact defensive structure in the opening 45 but Rodman's halftime introduction led to the opener in the 76th minute before the 21-year-old added a spectacular second in the 87th.

SAN JOSE, Calif. - United States forward Megan Rapinoe will retire after this season, the 38-year-old said on Saturday, days before she leaves for the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The charismatic veteran will compete in her fourth World Cup when the tournament kicks off on July 20, and said she will hang up her cleats after completing her National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season.

U.S. midfielder Lindsey Horan and forward Alex Morgan were named on Friday as captains of the team that will begin their quest for a third consecutive Women's World Cup title in two weeks.

The duo are assuming the captain's role as defender Becky Sauerbrunn will miss the July 20-Aug. 20 tournament in Australia and New Zealand due to a foot injury. When the players are on the field at the same time, Horan will wear the armband.

Rose Lavelle said she is more comfortable taking on the responsibilities of leadership and is ready to step up as a senior member of the U.S. squad when she heads to her second Women's World Cup, even as questions remain around her fitness.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who scored in the 2019 final as the Americans won their fourth title, has been nursing a knee injury and last played on April 8 in a friendly against Ireland.

The U.S. women's national soccer team will receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at next month's ESPYs in recognition of their fight for equal pay with their male counterparts, ESPN said on Wednesday.

The award, which is given to an individual or group in the sporting world that makes a difference beyond the field of play, will be presented on July 12, before the women's squad kick off their bid for a third consecutive World Cup title on July 22.