Author: Nancy Armour, USA TODAY

Alyssa Naeher is following in famous footsteps as she takes over in goal of the U.S. women at the World Cup in France.

Former US goalkeeper Hope Solo criticized Jill Ellis’ management style, tactical decisions and ability to handle pressure. But Ellis didn’t take bait.

Lindsey Horan became first U.S. woman to skip college. Mallory Pugh followed her four years later. They, and U.S. soccer are the better for it.

The entire women’s national team has sued U.S. Soccer for gender discrimination, including claims that some earn 38 percent of what men earn.

When Brazilian superstar Formiga, now 41, made her World Cup debut in 1995, 150 players at this year’s tournament had not yet been born.

Rather than two or three favorites, there are five or six countries with legitimate title aspirations at this World Cup

France is trying to become the first country to hold both men’s and women’s World Cup titles. Friday’s win over South Korea showed that’s possible.

Twenty years after winning the World Cup title, a transformational moment in women’s sport, many members of the ’99ers are still involved in soccer.

The American women won the 1999 World Cup and set in motion massive changes across the sports landscape.