The U.S. hopes to become the first team to follow a Women's World Cup title with Olympic gold, but Jill Ellis' roster selection shows a coach also looking toward the future.
Continuity was the keyword as Jill Ellis steered the U.S. national team to the 2015 Women's World Cup title.
The very decision to tab the U.S. Soccer development director as head coach 12 months out was one aimed at consistency. That condensed time frame limited room for experimentation. And it was with a veteran-laden roster that Ellis lifted the trophy in Vancouver last July.