While MLS has in the last few years reached a level of stability that will hopefully give us a
break from our perennial worrying about "the future of the game", the women's pro game is still
struggling for survival in this country. The Women's National Team is currently preparing for the
Olympic Qualifying Tournament this month and the roster is officially listed as:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Nicole Barnhart (out of contract), Hope Solo (out of
contract)
DEFENDERS (7): Rachel Buehler (Atlanta Beat), Ali Krieger (FFC Frankfurt), Amy LePeilbet
(Atlanta Beat), Heather Mitts (out of contract), Kelley O'Hara (Atlanta Beat), Christie
Rampone (out of contract), Becky Sauerbrunn (Sky Blue FC)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Shannon Boxx (out of contract), Tobin Heath (out of contract),
Lori Lindsey (Western New York Flash), Carli Lloyd (Atlanta Beat), Heather O'Reilly (Boston
Breakers), Megan Rapinoe (out of contract), Amy Rodriguez (out of contract)
FORWARDS (4): Lauren Cheney (out of contract), Sydney Leroux (Atlanta beat), Alex Morgan
(Western New York Flash), Abby Wambach (out of contract)
That's 10 players out of 20 who don't currently have a club team, which is remarkable for a
country that has dominated the sport internationally for decades.
