Forward Alex Morgan (13) during training in preparation for the 2015 women's soccer World Cup at Waverley Soccer Complex on June 3, 2015.(Photo: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports)
WINNIPEG — It should come as no surprise that Alex Morgan is not in the U.S. starting lineup tonight for the first game of the World Cup.
Though the star forward said she's 100% and could play 90 minutes, Sydney Leroux will make her third consecutive start. She gets the nod along with Abby Wambach, who has been named captain for the game rather than Carli Lloyd. There's no telling, however, if Wambach will have that role throughout the tournament.
Morgan has been recovering from a bone bruise on her left knee.
The rest of the lineup consists of Meghan Klingenberg, Julie Johnston, Becky Sauerbrunn and Ali Krieger across the back line, Christen Press and Megan Rapinoe out wide with Lauren Holiday and Lloyd in central midfield.
Coach Jill Ellis was asked Sunday if Hope Solo would start given the damaging report released by ESPN's Outside The Lines on the eve of the game.
She paused for a minute, smiled, and said if anyone looked at whom the team had been starting recently, they could figure out what her plan was at goalkeeper. And of course, it is Solo.
The U.S. kicks off against Australia at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1.
