CARSON — The U.S. women’s national team will start 2024 in an unfamiliar position.
The USWNT has been dethroned as World Cup champions after suffering a shocking Round of 16 exit, new coach Emma Hayes has yet to take over, with Twila Kilgore serving as interim coach, and they’re days away from the first competition of a busy calendar year.
The U.S. will open the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup on Tuesday against Guyana or Dominican Republic in the first of three group stage games at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, followed by showdowns with Argentina on Feb. 23 and Mexico on Feb. 26.
“It’s such an important year. Any time you get invited to the national team it’s an honor, so I’m honored and humbled and really excited to be a part of this group,” defender Abby Dahlkemper said. “It’s a really challenging one (tournament), just really looking forward to getting the games going.”
Dahlkemper made her way back to the national team in the December camp. She went through a serious back injury, but was also able to return to the field for her NWSL team (San Diego Wave FC).
“You want to do your best every day, and trying to stay focused and present and controlling the things I can control is important,” the former UCLA star said. “I feel really good physically. I feel really good mentally. I am hopeful and excited for this year.”
The tournament, which begins Saturday with three preliminary games with the winners advancing to the group stage, also consists of Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico and Panama and four nations from South America (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Paraguay).
With the Olympics on the calendar this year, this camp and tournament are a good opportunity for players to open some eyes.
“It’s a great opportunity to get in with the team and show myself,” defender Jenna Nighswonger said. “It’s just great preparation for the Olympics. We are going after gold in this tournament, and every game is looking to help us…
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