It's time to turn the page on the magical year that was 2015 for the U.S. women's national team. It's also time to turn the page on some of the program's brightest stars.
Carli Lloyd Knows Her Place Next To Cristiano Ronaldo
With the 2016 Summer Olympics on the horizon, it's time to consider the future stars of women's soccer in the United States. There's more to life than an aging Hope Solo and Carli Lloyd.
Below are three players that will be the faces of the USWNT in 2016 and beyond.
Abby Wambach Burned Bridges In U.S. Soccer
Crystal Dunn
Only 23, Crystal Dunn made her first impact on the international level in September's 5-0 victory over Haiti.
Dunn capped the night with two assists and her first senior international goal on a header in the final minute of second-half stoppage time. Head coach Jill Ellis attributed her instant success to confidence.
"Sometimes when you're a younger player coming in with more senior players, sometimes the tendency is to defer a little bit and pass a little bit," Ellis said, per ESPN. "I think her personality in the NWSL games grew, and she grew more confident that she was the go-to player."
Julie Johnston
If you can get past Julie Johnston's own-goal in the 2015 Women's World Cup final, you'll realize the true talent she is.
Johnston was a last-minute addition to the World Cup roster, but emerged as a star on the back line. She was nominated for the golden ball award, for her outstanding play throughout the tournament.
Christen Press
Abby Wambach was the leading goal scorer in women's history, but Christen Press is following a similar path early in her career.
Press scored just once during the 2015 Women's World Cup, but back in her central striking position, she couldn't stay off the score sheet during the USWNT's victory tour.
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Happy Birthday @ChristenPress !! Hope you have a fantastic day ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iYft9ttDIX
— (@ohjustsoccer) December 29, 2015
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