The United States Women’s National Team’s disappointing performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup showed the changing landscape of international soccer. The Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees shortlist, which was recently released by France Football magazine, is further evidence of the USWNT and American women’s soccer waning in power.
Just one American player was included on the Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees shortlist. The American player nominated for the award is 23-year-old Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith. Smith was the bright spot for the USWNT at the Women’s World Cup, scoring twice and assisting a goal in the opening match of the tournament, a 3-0 win over Vietnam.
The former
→ Continue reading at Oregon Sports News