How Alyssa Thompson reclaimed her place with the USWNT

Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images

Alyssa Thompson’s last appearance for the United States women’s national team was in 2023. Over the next week, however, she is expected to return to the pitch in a U.S. jersey after what can only be described as a resurgence by the young forward.

“The biggest adjustment that I had to make was learning who I was as a soccer player again,” Thompson told reporters last week. “Last season, there was so much going on, and there [were] a lot of good things, but I didn’t really have the time to think, process and continue to improve.

“This season, I’ve been really honing in on things that I need to work on that will make my game even better and get me into positions where I want to be, like making this roster.”

Thompson made her U.S. debut in October 2022, one month before her 18th birthday. She was drafted No. 1 overall three months later in the 2023 NWSL Draft by Angel City FC. The club moved what felt like heaven and earth in order to acquire the young star, with hopes that she would be a cornerstone for such a young but popular franchise.