Welcome to the Algarve Cup, featuring some of the world's top women's teams, nine of which are headed to the Women's World Cup this summer. This is a friendly tournament, but it's a pretty big one, and it's a chance to see top talent competing—as well as a chance to get a better sense of just how the U.S. women's national team are doing.
After a disappointing 2-0 loss to France and an underwhelming 1-0 win over England to start 2015, the USWNT have a little something to prove here. Should be an interesting tournament.
Kickoff time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Municipal Stadium (Vila Real de San Antonio, Portugal)
TV/Streaming: Every game in the Algarve Cup will be broadcast on Fox Sports. This one's on Fox Sports 1, or streaming through Fox Sports Go.
Projected lineup: Hope Solo has returned, and I'd be shocked if she didn't start in goal. In the back, I'm expecting Ali Krieger and Meghan Klingenberg as right and left backs, with captain Christie Rampone partnering Becky Sauerbrunn in the middle.
Who makes up the midfield is a good question—coach Jill Ellis has tried a lot of combinations there recently. Carli Lloyd should operate in the center, and I'll go with Lauren Holiday, Morgan Brian, and Tobin Heath to join her in midfield. Rounding out the attack, I'll take Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach up top.
Match previews: US Soccer has your word vomit of info as usual. Fox Sports has also got you covered, and here's a Norway scouting report from SoccerAmerica. Grant Wahl also posed some questions surrounding the USWNT leading up to this tournament.
Prediction: Things haven't all been rosy for the USWNT lately, and I think this will be a close one. I'm going 2-1 for the U.S., but it won't be easy.
What are you drinking? Sadly, it's the middle of a work day, which means I'm drinking a big ol' bottle of water. Someone please tell me you're drinking something more interesting.