The Force is with the US Women's Soccer Team
The US Women's National Soccer Team is on the verge of a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. It would be their first since 2008, and they are guaranteed at least the silver medal. How do some of the players compare to our women in a galaxy far, far away?
Here are 5 players on the US National Team that remind us of our favorite ladies in Star Wars.
1. Midfielder Lindsey Horan - Jedi Master Luminara
The strong and wise leader, Lindsey Horan, like Luminara, has seen a lot of winning, such as a World Cup in 2019. Luminara has been a mentor to Ahsoka Tano like Horan now is to the young group of players under her watch. And like Luminara, Horan isn't afraid to back down from a fight, making her one of the toughest players on the field.
2. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher - Padme Amidala
Alyssa Naeher is the backbone of the National Team, just like Padme is the backbone of the people of Naboo and the Republic. Naeher is strong, and when she needs to be, she has stepped up, like Padme did in the Battle for Naboo in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.
3. Forward Mallory Swanson - Asajj Ventress
Forward Mallory Swanson, like the assassin Asajj Ventress, has battled through injuries and doubt being kept off the National Team several times in her career. Ventress has been doubted by both the Sith and the Jedi throughout her life. However, like Ventress, Swanson is stone-cold when it matters, scoring 37 international goals.
4. Forward Trinity Rodman - Sabine Wren
It's taken time for Trinity Rodman to grow into the player many people believed she could be. The journey was similar to the Mandalorian Sabine Wren, who had both Kanan Jarrus and Ahsoka believe in her during the time of the Rebellion. Rodman, like Sabine, has saved the day many times with a late goal, like against Japan in the quarterfinals.
5. Defenseman Naomi Girma - Ahsoka Tano
Strength, fortitude, and courage can describe both Naomi Girma and Ahsoka Tano. Girma has redeemed herself since Team USA's disappointing 2023 World Cup result, similar to Ahsoka's redemption after the fall of the Republic. More importantly, Girma's steady demeanor during times of struggle has been a huge part of the national team's Olympic run. There isn't a steadier presence in all of Star Wars than Ahsoka.
The team will compete this Saturday against Brazil for the gold medal and a chance at Olympic glory. They may be calling on the Force to get them all the way to the podium.