Five Things You Need to Know About the U.S. Women’s World Cup Team

USA midfielder Carli Lloyd (10) and Korea midfielder Cho Sohyun (15) fight for the ball during the second half at Red Bull Arena on May 30th.

[UPDATE] The U.S. women won their opening match, 3-1. Their next match is Friday against Sweden.

[ORIGINAL] It’s that time of year again. Every other June marks the beginning of a FIFA World Cup tournament, whether it be men or women on the pitch. With the 2015 Women’s World Cup already underway, here are five things you need to know about the US women’s team going into the action:

1. The team is ranked second in the world, according to NPR, and features veteran and rising stars like goalie Hope Solo (1), Alex Morgan (13), Abby Wambach (20), Megan Rapinoe (15) and Morgan Brian (14). Oh, and don’t forget midfielder Carli Lloyd (10), one of several veterans who may be looking at their final chance to win a World Cup that has eluded American women since 1999.
2. About that Carli Lloyd. She’s local — a Delran, New Jersey, native. What better way could there be to cheer on the team and support your hometown girl? Check out this Courier-Post profile of Lloyd, who told the paper, “Oh yeah. Second’s not good enough. We’re going for it. Seven games, one game at a time, gotta take care of business first.”
3. And Hope Solo? Despite her well-documented legal issues stemming from an arrest on domestic violence charges, Solo is playing and is tough as nails in the net. She is also looking at possibly her final championship push, so hopefully that hunger translates onto the field.
4. Abby Wambach is the best scorer in U.S. soccer history, men’s and women’s, with 182 goals, according to CNN. Look for her to make a huge impact on the pitch, especially when combined with Alex Morgan, who, at age 25, already has 51 goals in international play.
5. Jill Ellis is the new head coach after former head coach Pia Sundhage, a Swede, left to coach her own country’s national team. Ellis, who is English, played soccer in the States for the College of William and Mary. The two coaches will face off when the U.S. plays Sweden in the second game of the group stage.

View the U.S. Women’s National Team promo video!

The United States Women’s National Team begins its quest for the World Cup tonight at 7:30 Eastern time against No. 10 Australia in Winnipeg, Canada. The game will be broadcast on FS1. Go US Women!

Check CBS Sports for TV listings and times.