Lauren Cheney

Known for using her impressive strength in the offensive third, Cheney fills a key role for the U.S. as a target forward. She's a valuable option off the bench for coach Pia Sundhage, and is also capable as a starter. Cheney has 18 goals in 63 games for the U.S. but also gets involved offensively by setting up teammates. She’s considered one of the team’s best players with her back to the goal and holding up the ball. That allows her to pass the ball to teammates making offensive runs into the box. She had two goals at last summer’s World Cup, finding the back of the net in a 3-1 win over France in the semifinals before setting up another tally. She was named to the tournament’s All-Star team. This will be Cheney's second Olympic Games after she replaced Abby Wambach in 2008 due to a broken leg. She appeared in three games off the bench.