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U.S. Women’s Soccer: 5 Badass Players to Watch in the World Cup Finals

US Women's Soccer Team
The U.S. women's soccer team is competing in the FIFA Women's World Cup on July 5.

Gotta kick it up! On Sunday, July 5, the women’s U.S. soccer team is competing for the FIFA Women’s World Cup against Japan in a game that will hopefully lead the team to glory (“We Believe We Will Win,” right?!). 

Related: PHOTOS: Sexy female athletes

But our girls wouldn’t have made it this far without some truly phenomenal players. And while we love all of the athletes who rep the red, white, and blue with pride, there are several standout stars who deserve some recognition for being badasses on the field. 

Here are the players to look out for come Sunday:

Hope Solo
Hope Solo

1. Hope Solo

You can know literally zero things about women’s soccer and still know that Hope Solo is a big deal. The record-breaking goalkeeper, 33, has been playing the American national team since 2000. She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and holds the records for most starts, wins, shutouts, consecutive minutes played, and longest undefeated streak. Basically, don’t tread on her. 

Abby Wambach
Abby Wambach

2. Abby Wambach

The longtime forward, 35, has also picked up two Olympic gold medals and has played for the U.S. women’s team since 2001. She’s a six-time winner of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award, and is currently the highest all-time goal scorer for the national team. She also holds the world record for international goals for both female and male soccer players. David who?

Related: PHOTOS: Team USA at the London Olympics

Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe

3. Megan Rapinoe

This California native, 29, dominates on the field as a midfielder/winger. She helped bring the U.S. team a gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics, scoring the game-winning goal in a match against Colombia. Rapinoe is also the first player, male or female, to score a Goal Olimpico (corner kick goal) at the Olympic games. 

Alex Morgan
Alex Morgan

4. Alex Morgan

This young forward, 26, helped the U.S. team get a victory in London, scoring the winning goal against Canada. That same year, Morgan also became the youngest U.S. player to score 20 goals in a year. She also married soccer star Servando Carrasco, which mean she totally practices her game-winning moves at home!

Related: PHOTOS: Biggest Olympics scandals

Christie Rampone
Christie Rampone

5. Christie Rampone

Oh captain, our captain! Defender Rampone, 40, is the official captain of the U.S. national team and has played in four FIFA Women’s World Cup finals and four Olympic tournaments. She’s never finished lower than third place in any of the World Cups or Olympics she’s competed in. She’s the oldest player to compete in the Women’s World Cup. Plus, she’s a mother of two kids with no signs of slowing down or plans for retirement anytime soon. 

Tell Us: Do you think Team USA will win the Women’s World Cup on Sunday?

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