Croix Bethune created NWSL history. Now she is ready for the Olympics

The three-time Rookie of the Month has been elevated to the main squad. Her inclusion points to a team with one eye on gold and one on the future

The US women’s soccer team face the familiar pressure of trying to bring home gold at the Olympics. But for new manager Emma Hayes and a younger generation of talent, this tournament is as much about redefining their story and building toward the future as winning the title.

The 18-player roster has an average age of 26.8, which is the fourth-youngest roster the US have ever sent to the Olympics and the youngest since 2008. And few players embody the turn-the-page nature of the squad better than Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune.