“Every time I put the USA jersey, it’s an honor,” said United States Women’s National Team Midfielder Allie Long after coming close to scoring on a second half header versus South Africa on Saturday.
“It’s such a humbling experience playing for the U.S. and representing my country.”
By the time you read this, every member of the United States Women’s National Team, including Allie Long, will have been informed about their status for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Rio.
The formal public announcement of the final USWNT Olympic roster will happen Tuesday morning, meaning you’ll probably know the final 18 by the time you read this. Allie Long is a lock, but what role she’ll play at the Summer Olympiad remains to be seen.
Ellis said Friday, in Chicago ahead of the USA-RSA friendly, the penultimate tune-up before the Olympic Games, that we might see 11 or 12 Olympic debutantes this summer. For a roster size of 18, it’s quite incredible.
Right now Allie Long is fighting for playing time in a very crowded midfield. There have been injuries to wingers and midfielders, opening up opportunities for Allie Long.
Long said on Saturday that her best qualities were “being able to possess, and be a quarterback. Win my tackles on defense and build the attack from deep.”
At 28, she’s in her prime, but also facing her final opportunity for Olympic glory. Allie has about as much positive momentum going for her as just about anybody on the USWNT right now. She has started five of the last six USA matches. She might be a bit older than your typical Olympic debutante, but the US might have the most turnover of any national team from last summer to this summer.
Long is also riding a strong wave of accomplishment from her NWSL success with the Portland Thorns. Last year she was named to the league’s Best XI team, and she finished second in the league in scoring. All the media focus will be on Alex Morgan, Hope Solo and Carli Lloyd, but Allie Long is one name to keep an eye on; flying under the radar.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication.
He also consistently appears on numerous talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram