#i’m sure they’ll get to sonnett next

[whatisthiswritingthing]

Keep it a Secret - Kristie Mewis x Reader

Prompt: Maybe an imagine, where R is the sister of one of the players (you can choose who) and R and Kristie are trying to hide their relationship at camp, because they know that their sisters would freak if they would know about them. Love your imagines.

Note: This really spiralled and became a little angstier than intended and ended up not really matching the prompt anymore. 

“Do you have any idea how hot you are?” Y/N mumbled against Kristie’s neck, hips pressing her into the wall of her hotel room.

Kristie tipped her head back, giving Y/N more room to scrape her teeth along her neck.

“Fuck, you are making it really hard to keep this a secret,” Kristie bit her lip, trying to supress her moan, hand gripping Y/N’s neck.

Y/N ignored her, switching sides and making her way back up. One hand sliding up her shirt while the other braced against the wall, both rolling their hips into each other.  

With a groan, Kristie placed both hands on Y/N’s chest, pushing her away. Y/N pulled her hand out from Kristie’s shirt, but tried to lean in and kiss her girlfriend, only to be pushed away again.

Y/N pulled back, taking a full step away, confused.

Kristie reached up and ran a thumb along Y/N’s bottom lip.

“If we don’t stop now, we won’t, we won’t,” she repeated when she noticed Y/N about to argue.

“you know I’m right, because I very much liked where that was going. But that will do nothing keep this a secret.”

“Ugh!” Y/N groaned, taking a few steps and flopping backwards on the bed. “Then you need to stop looking that good.” Y/N moved to be leaning on her elbows, shamelessly eyeing her girlfriend.

As if summoning them, there was a series of loud knocks on the door.

“Hey losers! Open up!” Rose called through the door.

Both made eye contact and laughed.

“Fix your hair, you have a just about to be fucked look. Oh wait,” Y/N let the sentence hang, smirking and getting up to open the door.

As soon as the door opened, Rose, Mal, Sonnett, and Lindsey plowed in, each making themselves at home in the room.

“What are you two doing?” Lindsey tossed a random sock at Kristie.

“Don’t worry about it,” Y/N winked.

“What aren’t we worrying about?” Sam questioned as she entered the room.

“What these two losers were doing before we got here,” Sonnett filled in.

Y/N and Kristie both purposefully avoiding each other as the group caught up now that they were all back together for camp. The couple had somehow gotten lucky and were sharing a room, after having been apart for months, the two just wanted to be alone but knew their friends weren’t going to be leaving them alone anytime soon.

The two had been together for almost a year, unfortunately being separated for most of it due to playing on separate teams. Luckily, they were both from Massachusetts, making off season much easier to continue to keep their relationship secret. Sam was oblivious to most things around her, so keeping it secret from her was easy. Short of the couple making out in front of them, Sam would never figure it out.

Christen however, was too perceptive for her own damn good. She could easily figure them, probably already had. She had been sending them strange looks the last couple camps but had yet to question them.

It was hard for Kristie and Y/N to keep their relationship secret though. Both women generally being very tactile, enjoying physical touch. They struggled to keep their hands to themselves. Thankfully they had all been friends for years before the two had transitioned to a relationship, so minimal touching didn’t really alert anyone to a change.

“Sibling!” Christen called as she burst into the room, jumping onto Y/N, pulling her into a hug.

“Hey Chris,” Y/N chuckled at her enthusiasm, hugging her sister back.

The group all made their way down for supper shortly after. Y/N instinctually placed her hand on Kristie’s lower back as they walked through the door, Kristie leaning into the touch briefly before they caught themselves and pulled apart quickly. Each focussing on the ground as they walked to separate tables.

Christen smirked.

Kristie and Y/N kept sneaking glances throughout the meal, one would glance up to see the other already looking, then both would look away blushing.

As soon as the door closed to their hotel room, Kristie had Y/N pinned to the wall. Hands gliding up her sides under her shirt, scratching her nails down.

“Fuck Kristie,” Y/N moaned out, arching into the touch.

Kristie stepped forward, pinning Y/N’s hips to the wall with her own.

Y/N gripped the hem of Kristie’s shirt, pulling it up and off. Then gripped her hips and spun them around, hands moving to Kristie’s hamstrings and lifting her, who immediately wrapped her legs around Y/N.

Y/N carried Kristie to the bed, gently placing her down, pressing herself the length of Kristie’s body. She shifted one leg between Kristie’s, who started to roll her hips up.

Kristie moaned, pawing at Y/N’s shirt, pulling it off of her.

“Open up losers!” Rose banged on the door again.

“No,” Y/N moaned into Kristie’s neck. “Maybe if we pretend we aren’t here they’ll leave.”

“You know they won’t” Kristie pushed Y/N off.

Grabbing a sweater, throwing one at Y/N, Kristie opened the door.

“What took you so long?” Mal gave them weird looks as they walked in.

“Don’t worry about it,” Y/N shot them a wink.

“Gross, is this bed safe to sit on?” Lindsey walked in, picking up on the inuendo.

“Don’t be crude Lindsey,” Sam fake gagged.

The rest of the group laughed.

“Yea, look at these two, not a chance there’s anything happening,” Sonnett added. “Besides, Kristie could do waaaayy better.” She added, flopping onto the bed next to Y/N, knocking their shoulders together to show she was joking.

Y/N rolled her eyes, satisfied none of them had figured it out.

The group hung out until curfew and then all dispersed to their own rooms.

Kristie and Y/N getting ready for bed, Kristie messing up the one bed to make it look slept in before sliding into the other with Y/N, rolling her onto her back with a hard kiss.

Things quickly escalated, having been interrupted twice already, both were ready to combust with sexual frustration.

Both exhausted, Kristie rested her head on Y/N’s chest, absentmindedly running her fingers on Y/N’s stomach.

“How much do you think Sam would freak if she found out what happened minutes after she left this bed?” Y/N chuckled.

“Sam freaks out over a stain on her shirt, she would have an aneurism if she knew anything about this,” Kristie looked up, grinning.

Both were right, they knew Same would lose her mind if she found out Kristie and Y/N were together. Christen they weren’t sure how she would react, probably be upset they didn’t tell her, hopefully be supportive. They had decided to just keep it between them for now, at first it was because it had happened so suddenly, then they just liked the simplicity of people not knowing, now it was getting harder to keep secret; it was at the point they knew it was serious and would progressing into something long term.

“How obvious do you think we could be before Sam figures it out?” Y/N smirked.

Kristie propped up on her elbow, looking down at Y/N. She could see the insecurity on her face. Placing a gentle kiss on Y/N’s forehead, she stared down.

“Do you want to tell them?” Kristie asked gently.

They both knew Sam would be the one that would be an issue when they told their siblings. Nothing seemed to phase Christen and was always so supportive of Y/N.

“No, I don’t know, I know Sam will freak out,” Y/N rambled, unsure.

“Where’s this coming from babe?”

“Fuck, I don’t Kristie. I don’t know if it’s because I finally get to see you after so long, but all day I just wanted to touch you. Just hold your hand, sit with you at supper, you know, stuff like that,” Y/N rambled.

“Me too Y/N/N,” Kristie leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “What’s going on in that head of yours?” she placed another kiss on her forehead.

Y/N just shrugged noncommittally. Kristie just watched her.

“I just, I know it was my idea to keep us a secret, but it’s getting hard. Being away from you so much is hard. Not being able to fly out to you on bye weeks is hard. Having to be the last one to hear if you’re ok when you go down is hard. It’s just all getting so hard.”

“Then let’s tell people, or at the very least our sisters, or just stop hiding it,” Kristie made it sound so easy.

“No, we don’t need to do that. I’m just overwhelmed or something, I don’t know,” Y/N wouldn’t make eye contact with Kristie.

Kristie gently held Y/N’s face, scratching her nails into the baby hairs.

“Why don’t you sleep on it? See how you feel in the morning, decide from there.” Kristie suggested.

Y/N nodded, tugging Kristie to lay back down. Running her fingers up and down Kristie’s spine, Y/N tried to settle her mind.

She knew she loved Kristie, but she knew she couldn’t tell her. Sonnett had been right, Kristie could do much better than her. As much as Kristie said she was alright telling their sisters, she knew this wasn’t as serious for Kristie as it was for her.

Y/N was gone when Kristie woke up the next morning. Kristie got ready quickly and made her way down for breakfast hoping to find her girlfriend.

Kristie was disappointed when she walked into the banquet room and didn’t see Y/N.

“Where’s your other half?” Mal teased, walking up behind Kristie.

“What?” Kristie turned around quickly.

“Y/N, where’s Y/N?” Mal asked again.

“Oh, um, I don’t know. She was gone before I got up this morning,” the pair made their way through the buffet.

Kristie knew Y/N hadn’t slept much the night before, because she too had been awake most of the night. What Y/N had said last night kept her mind running. She wanted to tell her sister too, but she knew Sam would not react well. Not because she didn’t like Y/N or think they would be a good couple, but because that’s just who Sam was. Kristie knew Y/N had a tendency to overthink and internalize most of her thoughts. Christen she didn’t know. That one could go either way, but Kristie knew how close the sisters were and could see how hard it was getting for Y/N to not tell Christen. Kristie also knew how protective Christen was of her younger sister.

Halfway through breakfast, Y/N tried to sneak into the banquet room, hoping to get in undetected. Kristie had been watching the door the entire meal though, so saw her as soon as she walked in. Her eyes followed Y/N as she walked to the buffet table. Y/N was dressed in her running clothes, drenched in sweat, clearly having just come back from a run. Kristie watched as Y/N grabbed a bottle of water and a banana before trying to sneak out again.

Kristie shot out of her chair when she saw Y/N leave the room again, concerned at how strange Y/N was being.

“Y/N!” Kristie called out as the girl tried to duck into the stairwell.

Kristie could see her shoulder drop before turning around.

“Hey Kristie, I was just about head up for a shower. Wanna join?” Y/N waggled her eyebrows, but Kristie could see behind the invitation.

Kristie quickly closed the distance, pushing Y/N into the stairwell.

“What’s going on?” Kristie placed her hand on Y/N’s neck, the other fisting her shirt.

“Went for a run,” Y/N shrugged.

“We have a double day today, why would you go for a run?” Kristie challenged, applying pressure to Y/N’s hip.

Y/N just shrugged again, making to pull away from Kristie. Kristie applied more pressure to the hip to keep in her in place.

The two made eye contact, each challenging the other. Kristie debating how much to push her girlfriend, Y/N trying to push her emotions down.

Kristie slowly released her grip, taking a step back.

“I’ll see you later Kris,” Y/N called out, turning and running up the stairs.

Kristie released a sigh, letting her shoulders drop. She was about to make her way out of the stairwell when the door opened again, Christen walking in.

“Hey, everything ok? I saw Y/N sneak out and you rush after,” Christen asked softly. She knew something was going on between her sister and the midfielder.

“Hmm? Oh yea, all good,” Kristie tried to step around Christen.

“Kristie?” Christen gently grabbed Kristie’s arm as she walked past. “I know there’s something between the two of you, it’s ok.”

Kristie’s head shot up; eyes nervous at the declaration.

“It’s ok,” Christen repeated, rubbing her hand up and down Kristie’s arm.

“We’ve been together almost a year. I think she wants to start telling people, she mentioned it last night. But we both know Sam will lose her mind, no idea how you would react,” Kristie answered softly, knowing there was no point in denying it now.

Christen pulled Kristie into a hug. “It’s ok. I figured it out a couple camps ago. You guys are great together, even when you’re trying to hide it.”

Kristie hugged her back, letting out a small chuckle, “of course you figured it out.”

“No one else knows, if that helps, and Sam will never figure it out if you guys don’t tell her,” Christen reassured.

“I’m going to go talk to her, she always runs when she is stuck in her head,” Kristie pulled away, starting up the stairs.

“Hey Kristie,” Christen called her back, “she feels the same way,”

Kristie gave her a strange look but Christen just walked out the stairwell.

Slowly making her way into their shared room, Kristie heard the water running in the shower, she settled on the bed to wait.

Y/N walked out in loose sweats and a sports bra, drying her hair with a towel.

“Hey babe, feeling better?”

“Yeah,” Y/N nodded, “I’m sorry about this morning, and uhh last night.”

“Christen knows,” Kristie decides to just cut to the chase.

“I’m not surprised,” Y/N shrugged her shoulders, “she always picks up on this kind of thing.”

“You’re ok with that?”

Y/N shrugged again, “she knows, not like I can change that.”

Kristie shook her head, Y/N was being difficult about this.

“Y/N/N,” Kristie trailed off, not knowing what else to add.

“Really, I am. It was going to start coming out at some point and Christen is pretty observant, I’m surprised it took her this long.”

“Alright,” the midfielder hesitated, “so what do you want to do now?”

Y/N shrugged again, pulling a shirt on, “we keep going as is I guess.”

“Give me something to work with here Y/N!” Kristie flopped on the back, rubbing both hands down her face.

“What do you want from me?” Y/N snapped. “What do you want from this? From us?”

Kristie sat up at the sudden outburst, Y/N looking at her, eyes hard. She cocked her head to the side, confused at the abrupt change.

“I want whatever you want Y/N/N,” Kristie began cautiously, “umm, I want you, to be with you, to continue to be your girlfriend. I’m not really sure what you want me to say.”

Y/N continued to stare at Kristie. Kristie staring back, having no idea what else to say, no idea what Y/N wanted to her to say.

Finally, Y/N’s shoulder dropped, chin dropping too, she took a shaking breath in.

Kristie softened, “there’s more to this than people finding out, isn’t there?”

Y/N shrugged, only to slowly nod.

“You want to be with me, with um, be together?” Y/N stammered out.

“Of course,” Kristie replied with no hesitation. “I am crazy about you Y/N, there is no one else I could picture myself, not now, not ever. What are you thinking?”

Y/N shrugged her shoulders again, starting to pace the room.

“I don’t know, my mind just seems to be all over the place right now. What Sonnett said just kind of stuck with me yesterday and then us talking about how Sam would react, and I just really fucking miss you,” Y/N ran a hand through her hair frustrated.

Kristie got off the bed and grabbed Y/N by her biceps, squeezing them tight to get her attention, holding her firmly when she tried to pull away. When Y/N wouldn’t stop trying to pull away, Kristie wrapped moved to pull her into a tense hug.

“Listen to me Y/N,” Kristie started assertively, “Sonnett thinks she’s funny, there is no way you are not good enough for me. We are both fucking amazing people and are fucking amazing together.”

Y/N relaxed slightly in Kristie’s arms, Kristie pulled away, keeping her hands on Y/N’s arms.

“What if we just keep being us? Not tell anyone, no big speech or anything, but just us being us. You can hold my hand when you want, sit next to me at meals, I’ll make you my emergency contact. We can make out in front of Sam and see if she thinks we are just friends.”

Kristie smiled when that earned her a small giggle.

“I’m sorry for freaking out like this,” Y/N mumbled shyly, pulling herself back into Kristie’s arm, nestling her nose into her neck.

Kristie rubbed her hand up and down Y/N’s back, “you don’t have to apologize gorgeous, just tell me what’s going on in you head so I can help.”

“I’m just worried this means more to me than it does to you.”

Kristie’s hand stopped moving and tried to extract Y/N from her arms, only for Y/N to hold on tighter.

“I am so fucking in love with you Y/N,” Kristie said firmly.

This got Y/N to pull away, eyes wide.

“This means just as much to me as it does to you. You mean everything to me,” Kristie moved both her hands to Y/N’s head, holding it in place to make eye contact. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Y/N whispered softly.

#uswnt imagine #uswnt imagines #uswnt x reader #kristie mewis x reader #kristie mewis imagine

[13uswntimagines]

Fraternizing with the Enemy (Alpha Lindsey X Omega Emily x Alpha Reader)

Request 1: Soran and reader where Emily gets fouled a lot or something and the both of her girlfriends come to her aid but the reader is on Seattle’s team? I meant NWSL where Soran is still on the thorns

Request 2: soran x reader with Lindsey and the reader as alphas and sonnett as an omega

You had a reputation. Your temper on the pitch was known (and feared) around the world. You would argue part of that temper was due to your protective nature (particularly over your unmated mates at the time), and that the rest were some really bad overblown rumors (anyone who played on the field with you would venture to disagree). 

Since mating your mates a year and a half ago, you had relaxed considerably, mellowing out and becoming much less quick to anger. 

This whole chaos cup had put you on edge. You were on OL Reign, while your mates were Thorns and that meant that you were kept segregated from them. To make matters worse, Emily had experienced a heat during this shit show, and the NWSL wouldn’t bend the rules to allow you to experience it with her and Lindsey. Thank God your alpha mate had been there to protect your omega. 

You hadn’t wanted Emily to play so soon after her heat, but here she was holding up the Thorns backline against your team. 

“Better luck next time Daddy,” Emily laughed, helping you up from a well-placed slide tackle and pulling you into her. You hugged her close. You weren't a soft person, but you were soft for them. You allowed her soothing pheromones to calm the beast inside you for a moment before pulling away. You smiled crookedly, leaning down to kiss her lips, savoring her scent. It was always so sweet after her heats. Her hand trailed down your chest and landed very high in your thigh. You laughed, reaching around to lightly slap her but. 

“Watch it hot stuff, wouldn’t wanna write a check you aren’t willing to cash,” 

She giggled, slapping your chest, and you couldn’t help the corners of your lips tilting up. Lindsey shook her head at the two of you from across the pitch. She knew how painful it had been for you to be separated from them when they needed you, but she didn’t think you and Emily would actually start groping each other on the pitch. She thought Mark was crazy for having Emily be the one to mark you. Yes, she was a fantastic defender, but Becky would have been a safer option considering you and Sonny were doing everything in your power to touch each other. She guessed he thought it would force Sonnett to focus, but all it seemed to be doing was distracting you both. 

“You two aren’t supposed to be touching,” Sofia Huerta called out, approaching you. You rolled your eyes at the woman, unsure why your fellow forward was interrupting your moment with one of your mates. 

“She’s my mate, I think it’s safe,” 

“Yeah, well when you risk the rest of the team’s safety, I think maybe you should give a fuck about something besides your penis,” She snorted. She didn’t like that you always thought you could break the rule with no consequences. You were constantly shirking the rules, with both the national team and your club, and she was fucking tired of it. This was their health you were messing with by fraternizing with the other team. 

“Hmm, your cock does sound good though, missed it last week,” Emily mumbled, reaching down and trying to squeeze your member. You caught her wrist, bringing her hand to your lips instead. 

“Behave hot stuff,” You mumbled, kissing Emily’s forehead, blatantly ignoring your annoyed teammate. 

“Yeah, good luck with that Y/n,” Lindsey laughed as she approached, pulling Emily away for the hydration break, you smirked after them, sure you would get the opportunity to get close to them again during the game. 

****

You were going to kill someone. Somewhere between the hydration break and the restart of play, your teammates had lost brain cells. They took absolutely every opportunity they could to sweep your omega off of her feet (which didn’t make sense cause she was a defender and not a forward). 

“What the fuck are you doing?” You growl, passing Sofia who had just taken your mate down for the 5th time. She smirked in your direction. 

“Shirking the safety regulations just like you are,” she shrugged, and you clenched your fist, watching as Lindsey pulled Emily to her feet, holding the omega close and sending you a short nod. You gulped, taking a deep breath. 

“Knock it off before I decide to break the regulations a different way,” You said, far too calmly. Your famous temper was about to make an appearance (and though your mates found it hot when you went all alpha on people, they really didn’t want a brawl during this stupid game. That was all they needed, they wouldn’t be able to go to the hospital with you anyway). 

“Whatever you say,” She rolled her eyes at you, sprinting off. The best thing she thought she could do for your team was get the distraction off of the field, and if that meant on a stretcher then so be it. 

*****

The rumble left your lips before your brain even registered it. The dominant pheromones rolling off you in a wave determined to protect your mates at all costs. You rushed towards the forward who dare hurt your mate, too enraged to join Lindsey in comforting the omega layer out on her side. 

Lindsey watched you with worried eyes, returning her attention to your hurt mate, and allowing you to go and play protector. 

“I know that was a bad tackle, but I’m fine,” Emily rolled her eyes at the protective behaviors of her alphas. 

“You’re bleeding,” Lindsey growled back, her attention returning to the leg that the medics were doing a patch job on. It was by for the lest serious injury she had ever suffered, but the fact that your team went after her at all was astonishing. 

“You two are going to be miserable aren’t you?” Emily sighed, huffing slightly. She wasn’t an invalid, but with you unable to accompany her during heat and the insane amount of fouls she had taken today, she was sure that you two would be smothering her in love and protection. Probably throwing fits if she didn’t let you cater to her every need. It was going to suck. 

“Y/n is still being forced to quarantine with Reign so it’ll probably just be me,” Lindsey mumbled back, puffing out her chest. She needed to do the job for both of you, and she would. 

She watched as you rushed your teammate, hauling them up by their shirt and growing angrily in their face. You shook them a few times, ignoring the yell of the ref for you to let go and calm down. You were too far gone, and your inner wolf wouldn’t be happy until the girl was cowering in submission. 

“I don’t think they’ll keep you separated after that,” Ali said softly, kneeling next to Lindsey to check on Emily. If anything, the only thing that would help the situation would be to let you room with your mates. It was Sophia’s only hope of living through the remainder of the tournament. 

“Shit,” Lindsey winced as you tossed the young alpha to the ground, standing over her with your teeth bared. 

“Fuck that’s hot,” Emily said breathlessly, her eyes zeroing in on how your clenched fists made your arms pop. It was rare they got to see you angry anymore, and when it wasn’t directed at them, it was a sight to behold. She was definitely adding that to the spank bank for the nights she was stuck in Georgia without the two of you. 

“You better go stop her. I think you’re the only one not in danger of losing an arm if you try,” Ali mumbled, nudging Lindsey’s shoulder as you took another menacing step towards the other alpha. Lindsey bit her lip, glancing at her omega. She didn’t want to leave her, especially when she was in pain. 

“Go, stop the knot head from killing her teammates,” Emily laughed, shoving her alpha. Lindsey looked unsure but jogged off anyway. 

Emily shook her head as you melted into Lindsey’s strong embrace and allowed her to drag you off the field. 

There was never a dull moment with her stupid, protective alphas. Sure you were technically fraternizing with the enemy, but that was safer than trying to keep you away from the women you loved.

#uswnt x reader #uswnt imagine #uswnt imagines #emily sonnett x reader #lindsey horan x reader #lindsey horan imagine #emily sonnett imagine #soran x reader #soran imagine

[uswnt-owns-this-homo]

Math? I Thought You Said Meth? (Krashlyn x Reader)

AN: I got a request of Krashlyn x Reader and this is my pretty lame attempt to get something out in these very dire, boring times. I hope you dig it! It has a bit of swearing and maybe a bit of like childhood trauma? family issues?

I walk down to the hotel lobby, feet dragging, shirt on inside out, skin pallid and dark circles very prominent. I’m still in my sleep shirt, no makeup, and my glasses, which almost never happens. My hair is an absolute mess, and Ashlyn ruffles it as I join her and Ali.

“Kid, you look like trash, no offense, very cute trash, but still,”

I groan and pull her towards the desk.

“Yeah, yeah, I know, I was up late,”

If by ‘up late’ I meant I haven’t slept in over 42 hours because I’ve been studying in every extra second I have, then yeah, I was up late. I turn to the receptionist, smiling lightly.

“So, I really really need to find the closest coffee shop. It can be a hole in the wall, it can have bad coffee, I just need something,”

The woman smiles at me and pulls out her phone.

“Okay, well, good news, there’s a Starbucks a little bit down the road to the right, walking distance,”

We thank her and grab Ali and Sonnett, who’s just made it downstairs.

“Dude, who’d you get in a fight with, I haven’t seen eye bags that dark since your bar fiasco with that one guy’s girlfriend!”

I chuckle.

“How was I supposed to know they came together?”

We make quick work of getting to the shop, talking and laughing along the way. We all walk in and I make a beeline for the counter, the rest of our small group taking a seat, having given me their orders. I order everyone else’s before taking a deep breath.

“Okay, I need to know, like legally, how much espresso you can put in a cup. Like, can you do a tiny bit of coffee, and the rest espresso?”

After discussing concerns and worries, which includes me telling the dude that I’ll pay whatever the price is, I’ve secured my 2 tablespoons coffee to the rest of the largest size cup espresso concoction. I walk back to the table, distributing the drinks to their respective owners.

“So, y/n, what’d you get, something you’d recommend?”

I cackle and shoot Ali finger guns.

“Absolutely not. This is a cup full of espresso shots with like a minuscule amount of coffee… it’s bitter and embodies my parents… would not recommend,”

She gasps and turns to Ash, gesturing towards me and groaning.

“No, no, no, remember last camp? We discussed, she’s your kid before 12, and it’s 11:49 so thats on you, babe. Also, y/n, really kid? Kind of impressed, kind of in awe, kind of worried,”

I just shrug, take the lid of my cup, and test the temperature. Seeing that it’s cool, or at least a little bit, I start to chug it, finishing half the cup before I start to listen to the other’s conversation. 

“So, y/n, how’s the math you were talking about yesterday going?”

I spit out my mouthful of drink on the table, lightly coughing.

“What?? I don’t do meth, man, look I know I’m kinda out of it today. I’ve been up for the past 2 days studying for my calculus exam I have next week, not doing drugs,”

Everyone looks at me as I burst into tears.

“Hey, hey, we were talking about math, not meth, we know you don’t do drugs, also we will be talking about the all nighter, but, I think we should finish our drinks, get ready for the beach day we have planned, and you can sleep there, just relax, sound good?”

I let out a sniffle and wrap my arms around my waist.

“Yeah, maybe I do need some sleep, sorry,”

I drag my hand over my face and pick up my cup, taking a sip. Ali wraps her arm around my shoulder and I lean my head on her shoulder, leaning my weight onto her and closing my eyes. I must doze off because I wake up to Ashlyn picking me up. I shake my head and rub my eyes.

“Ah, fuck, went and woke the kid up,”

I curl up further and lean my head into her body, quickly falling back asleep. I get woken up by Ali and Ash aggressively shushing the team, who are all gathered in my room.

“I told y’all to shhhhhh, and now she’s awake! Man, this is why we have to run so much, y’all don’t listen,”

  I tap Ash’s shoulder, giving her a hug as she sets me down.

“Well, looks like beach time is still on, so I’m going to change into beach wear, and then get another coffee, and then we can leave,”

They all nod and I get into my suitcase, grabbing my swim trunks and bikini top. I quickly change, grabbing my hair cream and going to find Ash.

“Moooom, I need help with the hair, and since Pinoe is going to pick up the caffeine, I need you,”

She quickly grabs some cream and creates a look that Pinoe, crowd favorite for her hair, will be proud of. I check it in the mirror quickly before turning to her and hugging her.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,”

She chuckles and wraps an arm around me.

“Yeah, yeah, can’t have any kid of mine walking around with wack hair,”

I squeal and turn to Ali, giving her a huge hug as well.

“Wait, I love y’all, like a lot, thank you for helping me adjust and for dealing with me, okay, that’s all, thanks for coming to my TedTalk,”

Pinoe chooses that moment to walk in with the coffee. I prance up to her, kiss her cheek, and walk off to find Rose, Mal, and the rest of the youngins.

“Thanks boss! I expect a volleyball match partner later, yeah?”

She nods and I sprint towards Sonny, making sure to not spill my coffee.

“Y/N, no running babe! Knowing you, you’ll fall and scald yourself or something,”

I wave my hand at Ali and smirk. I catch up to Sonny and lean up against her.

“Man oh man, I’m going to snooze at the beach, mark my words,”

She looks at me and smiles.

“Well, at least you’ll actually get sleep.. Look, I know school is a lot, by itself, I can’t even imagine what it’s like while your playing on this team, but you have to take care of yourself man, cause I know Ash and Kriegs are this close to making you room with Carlos,”

My eyes widen as she puts her fingers almost together. I nod and bow.

“Yeah, I just really want to do well, you know? I mean, birth parents didn’t end up going to secondary schooling, the fosters were more focused on taking care of us in the care minimum than encouraging us kids, and I just want to be better,”

I start to tear up and Lindsey and Em both pull me into a hug.

“Okay, I know it doesn’t feel like it, but kid, you’re insane! I mean, I didn’t go to college, so you’re already passing me up. And, you’re trying for premed things, on top of playing for the national team? Anyone would love to be doing as well as you’re doing, and even if you’re parents aren’t proud, or aren’t around, we are, and we’re so fucking proud, and I’m defintely getting yelled at later for saying fuck in front of you,”

I laugh and give her a quick squeeze, wiping at my eyes and chuckling. I separate myself from them, and cup my hands around my mouth.

 “I’m definitely getting smoked for this, but I fucking love you all! You all treat me like a kid, and while that sometimes gets old, I’m so thankful that I have people in my life that care enough! Also, Mom and Mom, please don’t room me with Carlos! Carl, I love you, but you’re scary and I think you might kill me at any given moment, love you though,”

Everyone looks at me and I flash some dimples in hopes of not getting in trouble for swearing.

         “Okay, we’re going to let the fuck slide, but don’t get ideas, kid. Also, it’s very nice to know that Carlos is a valid threat, also, we love you too, just, stop chugging weird amounts of caffeine, please. And to conclude, you forgot to tie your swim trunks, I see that tattoo, who signed off? You’re 17, you need a signed consent form, kid…”

I grimace and run to the van, hoping they’ll cool off by the time we need to leave. 

 We’re all at the beach, Megan, Ali, and I all tanning while Kelly, Emily, Rose and Mal all play soccer tennis, Ash and Alex out surfing. 

 “You really thought they said meth, Y/N? Really? You’re like the best kid ever, why would you ever do meth?”

I grin and laugh and turn my face towards the sun, deciding to just enjoy my off day and to look forward to the future, together, with my team.

#ashlyn harris #ali krieger #uswnt imagine #krashlyn x reader #krashlyn imagine #emily sonnett #megan rapinoe #megan is the cool aunt who digs her niece #ash and ali are free range wack parents #carli is of course used as a threat #cause she do be mega frightening

[gamergirl929]

Take A Picture It Will Last Longer (I Just Might) (Emily Sonnett x Reader)

Anonymous Request: Okay hear me out... A sonnett imagine where the reader is a new worker for the photography company and the r keeps getting distracted while watching sonnett play but sonnett also get distracted by the r and after a while of CONSTANT flirting one of them makes a move plz and thank u ur amazing

“SONNETT!” Kelley yells, just as a ball smacks into the side of the blonde’s head, her hazel orbs wide as she glances around.  

“Wha...?” She glances around, turning to Kelley who’d just ran up to her.  

“Where’s your head at?” She asks and Emily clears her throat, her eyes darting to where you’re kneeling down on the ground, holding a camera.  

Kelley follows her gaze with a toothy grin.  

“AHHH! I see.” She winks and Sonnett rolls her eyes, giving her a shove.  

Off field, you’re watching the pair with a smile, your cheeks flushed.  

Emily Sonnett had, had her eyes on you for the entire practice, hazel orbs darting your way each and every opportunity they could.  

Honestly, you couldn’t keep your gaze off of her either, it was your first day taking pictures of the USWNT and it was going to be a regular gig, you traveling alongside them to take photos, the photos you yourself had always seen scattered online.  

You glance down at your camera’s screen, giggling when you realize you’d caught the moment the black and white ball had hit the side of Emily’s head on camera.  

Your laughter draws the attention of those nearby, as well as a few players on the field and you cover your mouth in an attempt to stifle your laughter.  

On field, Emily is grinning, cheeks red.  

“Awwwwwww.” Kelley pokes her in the cheek and she swats her hand away with a pout.  

“What’s going on here?” Alex walks up with a grin, and Kelley turns to her.  

“Sonnett’s got a crush on the new camera girl.” She bites her tongue between her teeth and Emily rolls her eyes.  

“I do not.” She grumbles as she stomps away, but as she glances out of the corner of her eye and sees you looking her way, she can’t help but blush.  

                                                           ***

It’s time for your first USWNT game, and you couldn’t be more excited.

The fans cheering as the anthems sound on field, you snapping pictures of the team, some singing along, while others, Megan Rapinoe in particular stands for what she believes in.  

You were absolutely giddy when the teams took the field and the game had begun, taking shot after shot of each and every player, catching a few that you knew would catch the public’s eye for sure.  

You turn towards the bench, still staring through your lens when you see a familiar pair of hazel orbs on you.  

Your eyes widen as you glance over the top of your camera, Emily Sonnett still staring your way, eyes wide when she realizes she’s been caught.  

You surprise her by giving her a thumbs up and the woman grins, nudging her teammates beside her, Mal Pugh and Lindsey Horan, the three posing for a photo.  

You take a few snapshots before turning back to the field, sending Emily a wink before you go back to taking pictures, unaware that the blonde’s eyes are still on you, her friends teasing her about her obvious crush on the new photographer.  

                                                           ***

You circle the team in their huddle, the game well over as Vlatko talks with his team.  

You snap a number of memorable shots, and hope they’ll be enough to impress as you move down field, completely unaware that you’re about to slam right in to the woman who’d been plaguing your mind the entire day.  

“Shit.” You mumble under your breath as you run straight into the woman who’d stopped in front of you.  

“I’m so sorr-

You go silent, smiling when you realize the woman standing in front of you is the one and only Emily Sonnett.  

“Uhhh, hi.” Emily shuffles nervously from foot to foot and you grin.  

“Hi.” You bite your bottom lip, your cheeks flushed.  

The two of you stand still, eyeing one another intently before you both nod.  

“Well bye.” You both at the same time, turning and rushing off in opposite directions, Sonnett’s team watching on with wide eyes and confused expressions.  

Lindsey snorts.  

“Ummm, what the hell was that?”  

Ashlyn walks up, her hand in Ali’s.  

“Gay panic?” The blonde asks and Ali nods.  

“Gay panic.”  

“Where’s the gay panic?” Megan asks when she walks up at the couple nods to where Sonnett is running, completely in the opposite direction of the locker room.  

Megan nods.  

“Looks like gay panic to me.”  

Kelley snorts.  

“Better get her before she wanders off and we have to put out an Amber Alert.” Kelley shakes her head cupping her hands around her mouth.

“SONNETT! OUR LOCKER ROOM IS THE OTHER WAY!”

The blonde stops before glancing around, cheeks blood red.  

“I KNEW THAT!”  

                                                           ***

Needless to say, your encounter with Emily a week ago didn’t go exactly as you had planned your first meeting with her would go, so sadly, there was no turning back but you planned on making your second encounter with her a bit better than the first.  

“Uhh, hi.” You whisper, Emily glancing around, still spraying her water into her mouth. When she realizes it’s you she completely forgets about the water, spraying it all over the front of her tank top.  

“Jesus Christ Sonnett.” Kelley whispers to herself, but when you start to laugh, she smiles.  

Emily shakes her head running a palm down her wet shirt.  

“It’s not funny.” She pouts and you shrug.  

“Pretty funny from where I’m standing.”  

Emily crosses her arms across her chest with a pout and you grin.  

“I’m Y/N, sorry I didn’t really uhhh, introduce myself the other day.” You shrug, fidgeting nervously.  

You smile, holding your hand out and Emily grins, dropping her water on the ground in favor of taking your hand in hers.  

“Emily, and yeah I didn’t really introduce myself yesterday either, I was uhhh... Late for a meeting.” She shrugs, taking a step towards you.  

Unfortunately for her, she steps on the water she dropped moments before spraying the bottle’s contents all over the place.  

“Oh my god.” Ashlyn snorts, face palming on field along with the rest of her teammates gathered there.  

“What are we going to do with her?” Mal whispers, but before anyone can answer you start to laugh, a laugh that Emily can’t help but return.  

Tobin grins, crossing her arms across her chest.  

“Nothing, seems like she likes Sonnett just how she is.”  

                                                           ***

It’s in the next game against England when you find you can’t keep your eyes off the defender, who is tearing up the field, letting fans of the USWNT see the side known as Saucy Sonnett.  

You just so happen to get a few pictures of Emily Saucy Sonnett in all her glory, a particular picture of Sonnett sitting on the turf and glaring at a ref, bottom lip protruding has you laughing so hard tears are streaming down your cheeks.  

By the time halftime rolls around you realize that a wide array of your photos are only of Emily Sonnett and your eyes widen, cheeks blood red.  

You clear your throat quick to hide your camera, from whomever may be walking past.  

“Whatcha hiding there?” You hear a voice behind you and you nearly jump out of your skin, flipping around to find the one and only Saucy Sonnett standing in front of you.  

“Uhhhh, nothing at all.” You shrug innocently, and Emily’s eyes narrow.  

“I don’t know you’re displaying suspicious behavior.”  

You let out a hum, shrugging.  

“Guess you’ll just have to see when the pictures come out.” You wink and Sonnett’s eyes widen.  

A sudden arm slips around Sonnett’s neck and she’s pulled away in a headlock by Tobin Heath who sends you a grin as she drags the blonde into the tunnel, the woman attempting to wiggle out of her hold the entire way, but to no avail.  

You glance down at your camera with a smirk, biting your bottom lip, contemplating if you should post the picture or not.  

                                                           ***

“OH MY GOD.” Kelley wheezes a few days later as she shoves her phone under Emily’s nose, showing her the photo, you’d taken of her glaring at the ref grumpily.  

Emily’s cheeks flush bright red, her eyes wide.  

“Ohhhh, and look your girlfriend posted it.” Lindsey teases and Emily grumbles.  

“She isn’t my girlfriend.”  

It’s just then you come into view, kneeling down to snap some pictures of the players on the field for practice.

Sonnett jumps to her feet and marches over to you, unbeknownst to you considering your face is hidden behind your camera, but when you do spot her, you grin.  

“Hey.” You grin and Emily huffs, you snicker.  

“I guess you saw my picture.” You wink and the defender pouts.  

“Oh, come on.” You nudge her playfully. “It was cute.”  

Your eyes widen, Sonnett’s following close behind as the two of you glance away from one another, your cheeks flushed pink.  

“What I mean to say is...” You glance away biting your lip, a foreign courage stirring in you before you turn back to the blonde with a smirk.  

“No that’s what I meant to say.” You wink and Emily’s eyes double in size, cheeks flushing a darker shade of red.  

“Sonnett!” Someone calls out and the blonde blinks rapidly, clearing her throat before she glances over her shoulder.  

“Ye-Yeah, that.” She points before turning around and rushing off, back towards her teammates.  

You watch her go with a giggle, grinning when the woman glances over her shoulder to look at you one last time, stumbling over her own feet as she does so.

You shake your head watching as she moves to talk to one of her coaches, her hazel orbs darting your way every few seconds.  

You glance down at your camera, smiling softly as you focus your lens on the blonde, taking a picture of the two of them, though to be honest, you may or may not zoom in to only get Emily into the picture.  

The sunlight hits her just right, her hazel orbs shining almost as bright as her smile when you snap the photo and you glance down at it.  

You swallow hard, cheeks flushing dark red.

This was one photo you’d be sure to save and though you weren’t about to admit it just yet, it wasn’t just because the photo was beautiful, but the woman in the photograph as well.  

                                                           ***

You were mortified, of course they would want the picture of Emily Sonnett you took released, the photo of the blonde’s shining hazel orbs and dazzling smile on full display.  

A minute part of you was hoping that Emily hadn’t seen the photo, but when you saw her Instagram you knew she saw it, considering she was gushing about it and about the photographer who took it, AKA, you. She even went as far as to make it her Instagram's profile picture, displaying your photo to the entire world, a photo you weren’t sure you were ever going to share in the first place.  

“Well if it isn’t my favorite photographer.” You jump at the sound of a familiar voice, putting on a smile when you turn to the hazel eyed blonde with the dazzling smile.  

“Your favorite? That’s a pretty high honor.” You wink and Emily laughs.  

“Well, with you in the running, no one else could stand a chance.” She shrugs and you blush.  

Emily smirks, taking a step closer and your eyes widen.  

“You always take close ups of all the players like that?” She asks and you bite your bottom lip, that foreign courage again swirling in your chest.  

“Only the cute ones.”  

Emily blinks rapidly in surprise, the tips of her ears shifting from pink to red in a matter of seconds. She opens her mouth, but is cut off when someone’s hand settles on her shoulder, the owner of said hand revealing themselves to be Kelley O’Hara moments later.  

“So, this is the person behind that Instagram photo you can’t stop talking about.” Kelley smirks and Emily turns to her eyes wide in horror.  

“What do you mean?” She asks, scoffing dramatically and your brows raise.  

“She means... ‘Oh my god, look at the picture she took of me, isn’t she so talented.’” Lindsey mimics the blonde who rolls her hazel orbs.  

“’Do you think she takes pictures like that of everyone, do you think it means something?’” Mal squeaks and Emily throws her head back with a lengthy growl. 

Suddenly, Alex appears somehow reining in the trio and dragging them towards the bench, towards her other teammates.  

“Carry on.” Alex grins, sending Emily a wink that has her cheeks flushing. She turns back to you, rubbing the back of her neck nervously as she digs her heel into the turf.  

“So I was-

Sonnett is suddenly cut off by the sound of a whistle and she throws her head back with a growl, throwing her hands up in the air.  

“CAN I JUST TALK TO THE CUTE GIRL IN PEACE!?” She shouts, stomping towards the bench and her teammates who are watching her with wide eyes, the woman completely leaving you behind in utter shock, cheeks blood red.

“Subtle Sonnett. Subtle.” Kelley shakes her head, patting the woman on the back when she reaches her.  

“Did I just say that out loud?” She asks the USWNT veteran who slowly nods.  

“Yep.”  

                                                           ***

The next time Sonnett approaches you, she’s much stiffer than before, albeit nervous.  

“He-Hey.” She sends you an awkward wave and you grin, moving to your feet from where you were knelt on the sidelines.  

You smile, your own cheeks flushed.  

“Hey stranger.” You wink and Sonnett’s cheeks flush.  

Luckily for the two of you, it was nearly time for the second half to start, leaving just a sliver of time for the two of you to talk.  

“Ho-How’s my favorite photographer?” She stammers and your brows arch.  

“Great now that her favorite defender is here.” You wink and Sonnett blushes bright red. Her tongue slips between the tight line her lips have formed and you bite your bottom lip.  

“Something on your mind?” You ask and Sonnett shrugs.  

“Maybe something...” She mumbles and your brows furrow as you take a step towards her.  

“What’s on your mind?” You ask worriedly and Sonnett takes a deep breath.  

“I was wondering if... Maybe...” Emily shuffles nervously from foot to foot and you cock your head to the side, smiling at the endearing sight.  

You take another step towards her, placing your hand gently on her forearm.  

“You can tell me.” You whisper realizing the blonde’s eyes are as wide as saucers as she stares down at your hand, your thumb running back and forth across the flesh of her arm.  

Goosebumps sprout beneath the pad of your thumb and you smile softly, Y/E/C orbs locking with Emily’s hazel ones.  

Emily opens her mouth, immediately snapping it shut before doing the action again, trying to find the words she’s searching for but unfortunately, she comes up empty.  

Also, unfortunately, she’s waved over by her team, giving you a singular nod before she rushes away, the phantom feel of your palm on her forearm.  

                                                           ***

The game against Sweden is brutal, as per usual some of the tackles to Sonnett sends a shiver down your spine and twisting your stomach in worry.  

Needless to say, you’re relieved when the game ends and everyone, is mostly intact. What you don’t expect however is Emily Sonnett literally bypassing everyone and running towards you. She throws her arms around you, pulling you into a surprise, sweaty hug that you’re more than happy to reciprocate.  

“DOYOUWANTTOGOONADATEWITHME!?” Emily shouts, her words running together like word salad.  

Your brow furrows when you pull back, eyes wide.  

“Come again?” You laugh and Sonnett takes a deep breath, swallowing hard. She’s about to clam up again, but when you boldly tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she finds the words she’s been searching for, for so long.  

“Do you want to go on a date with me?” She asks, nervously fidgeting and you grin, surprising her and yourself by gently taking her hand.  

“I’d love to.” You whisper and the smile that takes up half of Emily’s face is dazzling, her eyes shining as she bites her bottom lip.  

“Uhh... Cool...” She nods, and your brow arches.  

“I’ll uhhh, give you my deets later.” She gives you a thumbs up, backing away slowly.  

You watch her go, the woman throwing a fist in the air before she is even a foot away. She glances over her shoulder, cheeks dark red as she gives you a charming smile.  

You shake your head, your own face split in half by a massive smile.  

You had a date with THE Emily Sonnett, and you couldn’t believe it.

#uswnt #uswnt x reader #uswnt imagine #emily sonnett #emily sonnett x reader #emily sonnett imagine

[junker-town]

Mapping out the USWNT’s future

Who you can expect to see come in and out of the team heading into the next World Cup in four years.

The World Cup is over and there won’t be another one for four years, but the United States women’s national team will have to spend that period constantly developing its roster.

There are 12 players 30 or older on the current USWNT, and it had the oldest average age of any team at the World Cup. There’s also some incredible young talent in the youth national team ranks. The squad is likely to experience some significant turnover ahead of the 2023 World Cup, and these are the players you should be keeping an eye on.

But first...

They’re going to run it back for the Olympics

Many of the players on the current USWNT were also on the 2016 side that disappointed in Brazil, and they’re going to want to make amends for that. The Olympics has a smaller roster size — 18 instead of 23 — so there will be some tough omissions. But don’t expect any of the older star players to retire or get cut until after the Olympics in Japan.

Expected to be on their way out

These are players who, due to either age or a recent lack of playing time, will probably not be on every USWNT roster after 2020.

GK Ashlyn Harris — She’s two years older than starting goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher so Jill Ellis (or whoever replaces her) will likely want to start giving the backup reps to a young player and start grooming Harris’ future replacement.

DF Ali Krieger — Krieger is 34 and was out of the team for two years until just before the World Cup, so it would be surprising if she continued past the Olympics.

DF Becky Sauerbrunn — Center backs tend to age better than players at other positions, so perhaps we shouldn’t count Sauerbrunn out. But she hasn’t been at quite her previous world-beating form for club or country over the past couple of years, and she’ll be 38 when the next World Cup rolls around.

MF Allie Long — Long spent more team off the USWNT than on it during the past year and likely made her way back into the squad for locker room chemistry reasons, rather than footballing ones. Unless she starts turning in NWSL MVP-quality performances, she’s among the prime candidates to miss out on the Olympics due to the smaller roster size.

FW Carli Lloyd — Don’t tell Lloyd that a 40-year-old is unlikely to make the USWNT’s next World Cup roster... but a 40-year-old is unlikely to make the USWNT’s next World Cup roster.

FW Jessica McDonald — McDonald finally getting her USWNT shot at 31 has been an amazing story. But unfortunately, the other forwards she’s behind are around the same age, and Ellis is going to need to start succession planning for the front line immediately. That means a young player is likely to take McDonald’s place.

FW Megan Rapinoe — Hey, I’m not going to bet against Rapinoe. But she’ll be 38 when 2023 rolls around, and with her increased public profile following this World Cup, she has opportunities to make a lot more money outside of soccer than she ever did playing the game.

Future unclear

These players won’t necessarily be too old to be at their physical peak in 2023, but for various reasons, it’s not obvious how much of a future they have with the USWNT.

GK Adrianna Franch — On NWSL form, Franch should have been the starting keeper already. At 28, she’s probably a bit too old to take over from Naeher in the future. She might stay on the roster as a backup, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Ellis opt for two young keepers that she rotates behind Naeher.

DF Kelley O’Hara — O’Hara said herself that she didn’t think she’d be able to make the impact she did at the World Cup after her injury issues over the past couple of years. Her ankles might not let her make it another four years at the top of the pro game.

DF Emily Sonnett — There’s no real knock on Sonnett, and no reason she shouldn’t stay in the team. She’s 25, and will probably be better in four years. She’s played well for Portland Thorns. But Ellis doesn’t seem to rate her as highly as her other defenders, and she’s been left off rosters when healthy before.

MF Morgan Brian — Ellis clearly believes in Brian’s talent. Even when she’s been in poor club form or struggling for fitness, she’s gotten call-ups and substitute appearances. But if Brian can’t stay fit for an entire season, Ellis will have to start considering other options.

FW Alex Morgan — No one would put it past Morgan to stay on top of her game for the next four years and chase down Abby Wambach’s record. Her development as a deep-lying forward that is no longer reliant on her pace means she can continue to be an effective national team player well into her 30s. But she’s going to be 34 when the next World Cup rolls around, which is old for a women’s soccer player, so she’s in this section.

FW Tobin Heath — Same deal as Morgan, basically. Her technical skills mean she’ll be useful even if she has no pace, but she’s even older than Morgan.

FW Christen Press — Unlike Morgan and Heath, Press clearly is not first choice at the moment, so she might have a harder time hanging onto her place as she ages into her mid-30s.

Even better next time?

These players are definitely sticking around for the next four years, and they’ll be expected to become the new stars of the team.

GK Alyssa Naeher — Naeher exceeded expectations in her first World Cup as the USWNT No. 1, and she should get better with experience. Goalkeepers usually don’t decline until well into their late 30s.

DF Abby Dahlkemper — She’s one of the best passing center backs in the world at 26, and she should be an even more intelligent distributor of the ball at 30.

DF/MF Julie Ertz — I’m not sure if Ertz’s future is at defensive midfield or center back, but she’s sensational at both of them, and shouldn’t be any slower in 2023 than she is right now.

DF Tierna Davidson — A prediction: Davidson will become the USWNT’s starting left back shortly, clearing the way for...

DF/FW Crystal Dunn — Dunn to move into a wide forward role. She’s one of the best attackers in NWSL and it wouldn’t be surprising to see her take over Rapinoe’s role shortly.

MF Lindsey Horan — Another prediction: By 2023, Horan will be the consensus best player on the planet.

MF Sam Mewis — Mewis is one of the slickest passers in the world, and at 26, she still has room to grow in that area. Expect her to be a truly world class playmaker in four years.

MF Rose Lavelle — It looks like Lavelle has finally put her recurring injuries behind her, and now the sky’s the limit. She hasn’t had an extended run in a club team with decent teammates and an attacking philosophy yet. We have no idea how good she can be.

FW Mallory Pugh — Same for Pugh, and she’s on the same team with Lavelle. Their combinations were nuts in the couple games they got to play together for the Washington Spirit before heading off to international duty. With every other forward on the squad being 30 or older, 21-year-old Pugh will be counted on to become one of the team’s best players quickly.

Fringe players still battling

These NWSL players didn’t make the USWNT roster this time around, and probably won’t for the Olympics. However, their national team dreams are far from over if they play well in NWSL.

GK Jane Campbell — Previously on the roster, Campbell is the leading candidate to start getting Harris’ minutes. She’s having a very solid season for the Houston Dash.

GK Aubrey Bledsoe — Bledsoe isn’t as young as Campbell, and her distribution leaves quite a bit to be desired, but she’s developed into NWSL’s best shot-stopper. If she can improve her goal kicks and passing, she’ll get a NT shot.

DF Casey Short — Short is one of NWSL’s most consistent defenders, but doesn’t make much of an attacking contribution from fullback, which Ellis values. Still, she’s one of the best fullbacks in the country and should be on the roster.

DF Megan Oyster — While the international players were away, Oyster was arguably the best center back in NWSL and one of the biggest reasons that Reign FC moved up into first place. She’s had two caps, and is clearly on Ellis’ radar.

DF Emily Menges — Ask Thorns fans and some will tell you, in a low whisper so no one hears, that Menges is actually the best central defender on their team. She doesn’t quite have Sonnett’s physical talent, but she’s more composed and makes fewer mistakes.

DF Jaelene Hinkle — You probably think that Hinkle is out of the national team because of her personal views on homosexuality, and most fans seem OK with that decision. If that’s the case, she obviously has no path back to the national team. But U.S. Soccer says she was only cut for soccer reasons and that her personal views have nothing to do with her exclusion. If that’s true, her status as the league’s assist leader while playing good defense on arguably the best team in NWSL is going to lead to her being reconsidered.

MF Danielle Colaprico — An injury led to Colaprico having to decline a call-up just before the World Cup, and that was that for her chances of making the roster. She’s been the most consistent holding midfielder in the league since she arrived, though, and should get another shot.

MF Sofia Huerta — This is a weird case. Huerta was tried out at right back by Ellis, and asked for a trade from Chicago to Houston to get more time at that position, in order to make the World Cup team. Houston correctly identified that Huerta was one of the best attacking midfielders in the league, so they played her there, ruining her chances of making the USWNT. Unfortunately, her 2019 numbers aren’t even close to what she did in 2018, and now she doesn’t look USWNT quality at either position. But there’s no denying that Huerta, at her best, is one of the 23 best American footballers. Don’t count her out yet.

FW Kealia Ohai — I don’t know why it hasn’t quite worked out for Ohai. She’s looked amazing in bursts at Houston, and she’s got a few national team caps. But she hasn’t translated her best performances and blazing speed into consistent production yet. At 27, her time isn’t up yet, but the clock is ticking fast.

FW Midge Purce — Like Huerta, Purce is likely considered a right back prospect by Ellis. Problem for Portland is, she’s been balling in a more advanced position, and right back Ellie Carpenter is back from Australia duty. Purce is talented enough to play for the USWNT, but it’s hard to see her getting a chance under the current circumstances.

FW Lynn Williams — The former NWSL MVP has gotten plenty of national team call-ups, but hasn’t quite meshed with Ellis and her system. There’s a serious dearth of prime-age striker talent in the pool, though, with most of Ellis’ options being in their 30s or teenagers. Being a good 26-year-old is enough to get Williams another look.

Coming soon... we think

These young players have turned pro and had a taste of USWNT action. I expect them to become regulars over the next couple of years.

GK Casey Murphy — The prime candidate to replace Harris’ minutes and become Naeher’s understudy. The 23-year-old has played a pro season in France with Montpellier and is currently playing out of her mind for Reign FC.

UT Hailie Mace — Mace is going to make the national team simply because of her ability to play literally every position on the field. She’s getting most of her minutes for Rosengard in Norway at striker, but she’s played a lot of winger, fullback, and even a little center back, on the left and right sides. She’s a player Ellis wants on her bench.

MF Andi Sullivan — Ask any coach in NWSL and they’ll tell you that Sullivan is a lock to be a national team fixture for the next decade. The 23-year-old is already captain of the Washington Spirit and can play any midfield position.

MF/FW Savannah McCaskill — McCaskill has gotten her national team minutes under Ellis at central midfield, but it looks like her new team Chicago Red Stars intend on using her as a deep-lying forward, linking superstar striker Sam Kerr and the midfield behind her. As a hard-working midfield-forward tweener, she could replace a lot of Carli Lloyd’s minutes.

Ones for the longer-range future

These players are rookies or college players at the moment, but they’ve turned in impressive youth national team performances, and are firmly on Ellis’ radar.

GK Meagan McClelland — She was the Big Ten freshman of the year at Rutgers and is already getting called into Under-23 camps at 18 years old.

DF Tegan McGrady — Hamstring injuries have kept the Spirit left back from making a big impact in her rookie season, but if she gets healthy, she’s expected to enter the national team rotation.

DF Emily Fox — Fox already has three caps and is probably the best player still plying her trade in college. The UNC star should become a fixture on the roster whenever Sauerbrunn decides to call it quits.

DF Sam Staab — Staab has exceeded expectations in her rookie year for the Spirit and is one of the big contenders for rookie of the year. She’s incredible at hitting long-range passes with her left foot, something Ellis values.

DF Alana Cook — Currently out of the USWNT hype spotlight due to her move to Paris Saint-Germain. Hopefully she can keep getting paid abroad and doesn’t need to move home to get onto Ellis’ radar.

DF/MF Naomi Girma — The Stanford sophomore can play in defense or midfield, which is certainly a plus for her future national team prospects. With Cook and Davidson gone, she’ll be expected to lead the Stanford defense.

MF Jaelin Howell — The 19-year-old has already been to a senior camp and was the midfield anchor for Florida State’s national title-winning team as a frehsman. She’s already a good enough DM to help any team in the world that doesn’t have Julie Ertz.

MF Brianna Pinto — An intelligent and slick passing midfielder, Pinto has already been called into a senior national team camp. With Dorian Bailey graduating, she’ll now be expected to lead UNC’s midfield.

MF Kate Wiesner — Wiesner has yet to make her collegiate debut, but she’s the No. 1 ranked player in her recruiting class. She should become the starting left winger at Penn State immediately and start making a case for national team looks with her excellent left foot service.

FW Ashley Sanchez — Sanchez has actually failed to reach the heights she was predicted to since she first got called into a full national team camp, but no one is writing her off at 20 years old. With Mace departing UCLA, Sanchez will be expected to take over a starring role this season.

FW Catarina Macario — Brazilian-American Macario is widely considered the best player in college soccer, but won’t be eligible for U.S. citizenship for two years. She’s made it clear that she wants to play for the USWNT, though, and regularly participates in Under-23 national team camps even though she can’t play official games under FIFA rules. She should be fast-tracked to the full national team whenever her citizenship comes through.

FW Sophia Smith — The most obvious candidate for USWNT stardom in the future, Smith has 21 goals in 25 Under-20 appearances, and scored seven goals in 13 appearances for Stanford as a freshman.

There are so many great NWSL and college players we couldn’t fit here

Seriously, watch NWSL. If you’re a real nerd and want to get into this stuff hardcore, you can find great info on youth soccer at Top Drawer Soccer, and college soccer games are usually on streaming services you already have like ESPN3 and ESPN+. There are — no joke — 50 other players I thought of that could have conceivably made this list, so huge thanks to my supremely nerdy pals Fitzcamel and Travis Clark for helping me put this together.