This one is pretty self-explanatory: The goalkeeper is responsible for, well, keeping goals out of the net. Needless to say, this position comes with a lot of pressure and it requires a variety of skills including fast reflexes, agility, reading opponents, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to make quick decisions. It's also key that goalkeepers communicate with their teammates throughout the game and direct the defence players to certain spots on the field — when communication is smooth and effective, it's less likely that the ball will even need to be stopped by the goalkeeper at all.
Three goalkeepers will play for the US Team in the World Cup:
- Adrianna Franch, the 2017 and 2018 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Goalkeeper of the Year
- Ashlyn Harris, a member of the victorious 2015 Women's World Cup Team and the 2016 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year
- Alyssa Naeher, another member of the 2015 World Cup Team and the 2014 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year