Four years ago, when the U.S. women hoisted the World Cup trophy above their heads in Vancouver, Canada, it felt like the culminating moment from a fairy tale. After 16 years of missing out and early struggles in the tournament, the U.S. dominated when it mattered most — earning the once-elusive third star on their crest.
Their World Cup victory welcomed in a new normal for women’s soccer. It was the most-watched soccer match of all time in the United States — men or women. It was 23 players who wrote their own script, swapping attacking firepower for a steady, brick-wall defense.