Abby Dahlkemper has been a pillar of strength in American soccer. Known for her composure, intelligence, and defensive leadership, she has played a crucial role for both club and country.
Her journey from college soccer to the world stage is inspiring. She has won major trophies, faced challenges, and remained a key figure in defense. Let’s dive into her career and see what makes her one of the best center-backs in women’s soccer.
Early Years: A Strong Foundation
Abigail Lynn Dahlkemper was born on May 13, 1993, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. From a young age, she showed an interest in soccer. Her family later moved to California, where she developed her skills in a more competitive environment.
She played youth soccer for the Eagles Soccer Club in Southern California. Her talent stood out, and she quickly became one of the top defenders in her age group. Her next step was college soccer, where she truly made a name for herself.
College Success at UCLA
Dahlkemper attended UCLA and played for the Bruins from 2011 to 2014. She was a key player for the team, helping them dominate college soccer.
In 2013, she led UCLA to its first-ever NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship. Her defensive skills and leadership were instrumental in the team’s success. She earned multiple awards, including the Honda Sports Award for Soccer, given to the best female college soccer player in the country.
Her performances at UCLA made it clear she was ready for the professional level. The next step was the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Turning Pro: NWSL and Western New York Flash
In 2015, Abby Dahlkemper entered the NWSL Draft. The Western New York Flash selected her as the No. 3 overall pick. This was her first experience playing professional soccer, and she adapted quickly.
As a rookie, she showed maturity beyond her years. She became a starter and helped the team improve defensively. In 2016, she had a breakout season, leading the Flash to an NWSL Championship.
Her ability to read the game, intercept passes, and organize the defense stood out. After this success, she moved with the club to North Carolina, where she would become a star.
North Carolina Courage: The Golden Era
When the Flash relocated and became North Carolina Courage, Dahlkemper remained a key player. The team quickly became one of the best in the NWSL, dominating the league for several seasons.
From 2017 to 2019, the Courage won three consecutive NWSL Shields (awarded to the team with the best regular-season record). They also won two NWSL Championships in 2018 and 2019.
Dahlkemper was the anchor of the defense. Her calmness on the ball, ability to start attacks from the back, and strong tackling made her one of the best defenders in the league. She earned NWSL Best XI honors multiple times.
Her performances didn’t go unnoticed. The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) took notice, and she soon became a regular in the squad.
Breaking into the USWNT
Abby Dahlkemper made her USWNT debut in 2016. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that she became a key part of the team. Her strong performances in the NWSL earned her a place in the starting lineup.
She formed a solid partnership with Becky Sauerbrunn in central defense. Her composure under pressure and ability to distribute the ball made her an ideal fit for the team’s playing style.
She helped the U.S. win the 2018 SheBelieves Cup and the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, proving she belonged on the world stage. But her biggest achievement came the following year.
2019 Women’s World Cup: A Champion’s Performance
Abby Dahlkemper played a crucial role in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She started every match and helped the U.S. win their second consecutive World Cup title.
The team’s defense was rock-solid, conceding only three goals in the entire tournament. Dahlkemper’s positioning, aerial ability, and passing were key factors in the team’s success.
She played a perfect final against the Netherlands, keeping a clean sheet as the U.S. won 2-0 to lift the trophy. This was the highlight of her international career and cemented her reputation as one of the world’s best defenders.
Club Moves: Manchester City and Back to NWSL
After winning the World Cup, Abby Dahlkemper decided to take on a new challenge. In 2021, she signed with Manchester City in the English Women’s Super League (WSL).
Her time in England was brief but valuable. She gained experience playing in a different league and competed in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. However, she returned to the NWSL in 2022, signing with the Houston Dash.
Later, she moved to San Diego Wave FC, where she continues to be a leader in defense. Injuries slowed her down at times, but she remains a top player in the league.
Playing Style: A Complete Defender
Abby Dahlkemper is known for her intelligence and composure. Unlike some defenders who rely on physicality, she uses positioning and anticipation to stop attacks.
Her Key Strengths:
- Passing ability: She is excellent at playing out from the back.
- Composure: She rarely panics under pressure.
- Aerial duels: She wins headers and defends set pieces well.
- Leadership: She organizes the defense and communicates effectively.
- Consistency: She delivers top performances in big matches.
Her ability to combine defensive strength with technical skills makes her an ideal modern center-back.
Challenges and Comebacks
Dahlkemper’s career hasn’t been without setbacks. Injuries have been a challenge, especially in recent years. In 2022, she underwent back surgery, which sidelined her for a long time.
Coming back from injury is never easy, but she has always shown resilience. She continues to work hard and remains an important player for San Diego Wave FC.
Her goal is to return to the USWNT and compete in future tournaments. Given her experience and skill, she still has plenty to offer.
Legacy and Impact
Dahlkemper’s career has been remarkable. She has won multiple NWSL Championships, a World Cup, and several individual honors.
More importantly, she has inspired young defenders. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and play smart soccer makes her a role model.
She has also been a key figure in the growth of women’s soccer in the U.S. and abroad. Her time at Manchester City helped bring attention to American defenders in European leagues.
As she continues her career, her influence on the game remains strong.
What’s Next for Dahlkemper?
Abby Dahlkemper still has a few years left at the top level. Her focus will be on helping San Diego Wave FC win trophies. She will also push for a return to the USWNT, aiming for another shot at the Olympics or World Cup.
Her experience and leadership make her an asset for any team. If she stays injury-free, she could add more silverware to her already impressive collection.
Regardless of what happens next, she has already left a lasting mark on women’s soccer.
Final Thoughts
Abby Dahlkemper’s journey from UCLA to the world stage is a testament to hard work and dedication. She has won at every level, proving herself as one of the best defenders in women’s soccer.
Her intelligence, passing, and defensive skills have made her an essential player for club and country. Whether leading from the back or winning trophies, she remains a force to be reckoned with.
Her story isn’t over yet. There’s still more to come from this defensive rock.
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