Many fans of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team are still riding the World Cup Championship wave, but for the players that moment in history is behind them.
The group of athletes is now focused on what’s ahead -- the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio.
"As a captain it’s my job to make sure everyone is ready and focused,” said Carli Lloyd.
The team is in Frisco for two weeks as they try to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
"It’s magical,” said head coach Jill Ellis. “It’s another major world event for us and it comes around the heels of the World Cup.”
The fans that live in town couldn’t be happier.
"Pretty exciting because they are actually I believe the best team in the world for women,” said Rene Sanchez, who works a nearby Soccer City.
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But the road to Rio won’t be a walk in the park, said 2015 FIFA player of the year Lloyd.
"We know that we have to take care of business, we know that there’s only two spots, we just have to take it one day at a time,” said Lloyd.
The U.S. team has a rare opportunity this year to be the first women’s team to win a world cup and then a Olympics back to back. They are also hoping to take home a fourth gold medal in a row.
This year includes a mix of veteran players, many young players and some new faces.
"This is the first time I’ve been in an actual international tournament with the team so I’m just so stoked to be here and be a part of this team right now,” said Lindsay Horan.
The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team has a long history of success at the Olympics, it’s a tradition this group hopes to continue.
"That’s why I go out and work every day, because I want to make that possible,” said Lloyd.
The U.S. team takes their first step toward qualifying for the 2016 Olympics in a tournament Feb. 10 at Toyota Stadium with a game against Costa Rica.
