Horan, Morgan named captains of US Women's World Cup team

 

[July 08, 2023]  (Reuters) -Midfielder Lindsey Horan and forward Alex Morgan were named on Friday as captains of the U.S. team that will begin a 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 arm band.

"We have a lot of leaders on this team among the young players and the veteran players, and among those Lindsey and Alex have vast experience in big games and they understand what it takes to win at the highest levels," U.S. head coach Vlatko Andonovski said in a news release.

"They are ultimate professionals and understand all the factors that go into having a united and motivated team. I know they will represent us well on and off the field at the World Cup," Andonovski added.

The 34-year-old Morgan, who will be playing in her fourth World Cup, has captained the U.S. team 22 times from the start of a match, most recently in the opening game of the 2023 SheBelieves Cup in February.

"We're both in these stages in our career where we're ready for it, where we have gained the respect of our teammates," Morgan said. "We feel really good and confident in where we are."

The 29-year-old Horan, who will be playing in her second World Cup, has captained the U.S. nine times from the start of a match, most recently at February's SheBelieves Cup.

Jun 27, 2023; Carson, California, USA; USWNT forward Megan Rapinoe (left), forward Alex Morgan (center) and midfielder Lindsey Horan during Women's World Cup media day at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

The Lyon standout famously accepted the number 10 jersey from former captain Carli Lloyd after the forward called time on her decorated career. She takes the helm for one of the least experienced U.S. squads in recent memory, with 14 World Cup newcomers in the mix.

"There's just a new responsibility for me," Horan said.

"Holding a standard and the level and going into every single game prepared and making sure we take control of, you know, our new players, young players how the leaders on the last World Cup team took care of me," Horan added.

The U.S. kick off their campaign against Vietnam on July 22 before facing the Netherlands, who they beat in the 2019 World Cup final, and Portugal in Group E.

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Additional reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Ken Ferris and Will Dunham)

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