The United States Women's National Team continues their quest for their fourth World Cup this afternoon in the quarterfinals of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. After defeating Spain 2-1 in Monday's Round of 16 matchup, the USWNT will now come up against the host nation, France, in a match filled with international stars. Many of the French stars play for top clubs in the Division 1 Féminine, France's top league, while every member of the U.S. team plays stateside in the National Women's Soccer League. D.C. is home to two of the U.S.'s World Cup debutants, with midfielder Rose Lavelle and forward Mallory Pugh starring for the Washington Spirit.
Rose Lavelle started her NWSL career in 2017 with the Boston Breakers and joined the Spirit as the number one pick in the 2018 Dispersal Draft. In her first season with the D.C. club, she appeared in 11 games (five starts), playing 424 minutes and had an impressive tackle success rate of 81.8 percent. Pugh joined the Spirit prior to the 2017 season after the Spirit acquired her with the number one spot in the Distribution Ranking Order. The forward appeared in 16 matches (13 starts) and played 1,203 minutes for the Spirit, scoring five goals on 37 total shots and collecting one assist. In 2018, Pugh had another impressive year for the Spirit, scoring twice. Though limited in league play in 2019 due to injuries and international duty, both Lavelle and Pugh have played an important role for the U.S. team thus far.
Lavelle and Pugh have made three appearances each in this year's tournament, collecting their first World Cup caps in the U.S.'s opening group stage match against Thailand on June 11. Lavelle has played a crucial role in the U.S. midfield throughout the World Cup, posing an impressive defensive figure while creating chances for the American attack, including two goals of her own against Thailand. Coming off the bench in all but one match, Pugh has provided a spark for a U.S. front line that has scored an impressive 20 goals through four matches. The forward also scored her first World Cup goal in the opening match against Thailand.
Lavelle, Pugh, and the United States look to continue their quest to defend their 2015 World Cup title this afternoon against France in the quarterfinals of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 PM on FOX.
