When Nicklas Lidstrom skated his first strides on NHL ice, Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson were not yet 2 years old. In the years since, they have grown into towering two-way defensemen and joined the Detroit Red Wings legend as fellow Swedish Norris Trophy winners. It's no surprise, then, that Hedman and Karlsson serve as two of the bigger role models for today's aspiring Swedish defensemen on their way to the NHL -- a group that has significantly grown in recent years.

Ask many of those defensive prospects about their favorite players or after whom they try to pattern their games, and Hedman or Karlsson are the most frequent answers. And the next wave of Swedes couldn't ask for much better examples to follow.

"We have Hedman, Karlsson, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, [John] Klingberg and all those guys. Everyone watches them a lot and takes the best parts of their game and put it into ours," says Victor Soderstrom, whom the Arizona Coyotes traded up to get with the 11th overall pick in the 2019 draft. "I think that's a big reason why we have such great [young] D-men."

Hedman takes pride in it, too. "That's obviously very flattering to hear from fellow countrymen," says the Tampa Bay Lightning's No. 1 blueliner. "It's something I take very seriously. The thing for me is, I try to be the best I can be every night, play the right way in all parts of the game. It's a good receipt for me that I'm doing something well and those guys look up to me."

Those indirect proteges are quickly making gains in reaching the NHL and finding their spots alongside the likes of Hedman and Karlsson, a four-time 70-plus-point player now with the San Jose Sharks. In the past five drafts, 12 Swedish defensemen have been selected in the first round, including Rasmus Dahlin, who in 2018 became the second Swedish player of any position to be selected with the No. 1 pick (Mats Sundin, 1989).

Still just 19 years old, Dahlin is on pace to become the second highest-scoring teenage defenseman in NHL history, with 70 points so far through his first two seasons with the Buffalo Sabres. He'll surpass Bobby Orr, Aaron Ekblad, Larry Murphy and Rick Hampton as long as he gets seven more points this season. (He's not catching No. 1, though; Phil Housley's 143 points over two teenage seasons is a bit out of range.)

Dahlin's hot start signifies how prospects are adapting to the North American pro game, too. Players are making quicker transitions to the NHL, which is one of the things Hedman has noticed about the younger players coming into the league from Sweden.

"They're obviously ready to play right away," says Hedman. "We've got two Rasmuses now. We've got Dahlin in Buffalo and Sandin in Toronto."

That second one, Rasmus Sandin, was part of Sweden's entry at the recent World Junior Championship, where he was one of five first-round draft picks on a blue line that propelled the team to a bronze-medal finish after narrowly losing to Russia in the semifinals. The 19-year-old was named the tournament's best defenseman and a media all-star selection, making him a little easier for the Maple Leafs to recall on Jan. 13 when injuries hit.

And Toronto didn't wait long to call up another young Swedish talent on the back end. It summoned Timothy Liljegren, a 2017 first-rounder, the next day -- a few hours before Sandin recorded two assists in his NHL debut.

"They're great skaters, good defensively, plus they've got a skillset that's very, very high," says Hedman of the new wave. "They are taking it to the next level. It's a lot of fun for us older Swedish defensemen to see these young kids coming in and being key players on their team right away."

It may be difficult to remember now that he's among the best defensemen in the NHL, but Hedman's transition to the league was not necessarily the smoothest. He says he had a tough time refining his defensive game at first and struggled for a few years before he gained confidence and improved that aspect of his game. Even offensively, you could see a jump in his fifth season. Hedman hovered between 20-26 points in his first four campaigns before exploding for 55 in 2013-14. Now in Year 11, Hedman has 41 in 44 games (0.93 per game).

"You've got to be able to have speed to be able to make it in this league," he says. "You've got to play against Connor McDavid and at least try to stay with him. It's a different game than 10 years ago when I got into the league. You look at all the guys -- not only the defensemen but the forwards as well. The skillset that they have, the speed that they play with and still be able to handle the puck like they do, it's impressive."

As the style of play has quickened, the NHL's landscape has shifted little by little since Hedman entered the NHL in 2009-10. In each of the past 11 seasons, Sweden has had the third-most NHL players, according to QuantHockey. Over that span, the NHL's Swedish population has nearly doubled from 54 players to appear in NHL games to 106 so far in 2019-20. Hedman was one of 22 Swedish defensemen to play in a game in 2009-10; this season has seen 40.

There are even more on the way, too. While forwards Lucas Raymond and Alexander Holtz are garnering the bigger headlines in Sweden when it comes to the 2020 NHL draft, a trio of Swedish blueliners have a chance at first-round consideration in June. William Wallinder, who plays for MODO -- the same club that developed Hedman -- is getting attention with his 6-foot-4 frame, great skill and high-end mobility. Then there are Helge Grans, a 6-foot-3 right-shot defenseman playing for Malmo in the Swedish Hockey League, and Emil Andrae, a 5-foot-9 offensive-minded rearguard who has averaged nearly a point per game in Sweden's junior ranks and has played games in the SHL with HV71.

So what has triggered the growing population of Swedish defensemen? It's difficult to pinpoint. But one thought is the NHL caught up to Swedish-style hockey, as opposed to the other way around.

The importance of puck movement, puck possession, and creating offense -- particularly from the back end -- has been a strong point for Swedish national teams and club teams for years now. That puts the onus on the defensemen to improve their two-way skills and skating.

"I think every team in Sweden wants to involve their D-men in the offensive zone," says Soderstrom, who was loaned back to Brynas IF by the Coyotes for this season. The 18-year-old World Juniors standout has 12 points in 17 games this season for the club system he's played in since he was 14 years old.

Another factor in play: rising tides lift all boats among Swedish defensemen. The peer-to-peer interaction within a national-team setting allows players to compare and contrast their games with those of their fellow high-end countrymen. As the player pool improves, they're able to help each other get better in direct and indirect ways.

Nils Lundkvist, another 2020 World Juniors standout, took a lot of lessons from playing with so many of his elite peers at the event. His hockey sense and ability to get the puck up ice stood out for the New York Rangers in 2018, prompting them to take him in the first round. Lundqvist finished up the tournament with eight points in seven games.

"Soderstrom and Sandin are so incredible, just seeing them do these dangles on the blue line, you can learn a lot from that," says Lundkvist. "[Sandin] and [Tobias] Bjornfot have played in the NHL. To be on the same team as them, it's a big motivation for me to be as good as them and do the same as they have done."

Being able to watch and learn from the NHL players has also been a big help. It's one advantage that wasn't as readily available to players like Hedman when he was coming up as a youth hockey player. Today, the younger players just have better access to watching the pros.

"With the internet, YouTube, watching video of guys at a younger age, you start working on it and maybe you catch a skills coach posting something on YouTube. The internet and everything has opened many doors," says Hedman. "If you get that information early on, you keep doing it, and I think that's helped a lot of guys."

Regardless of why it's happening, the growth is extremely promising for the future of Swedish hockey. And for Hedman, it creates some longing for the opportunity to play with these players on national teams in a best-on-best tournament. At the moment, chances are limited. The NHL doesn't appear close to returning to the Olympics, and it's unclear when we will see the World Cup of Hockey again. The only pro-level international tournament right now is the IIHF World Championship, which takes place while many NHL teams are still participating in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"All of us dream about that," says Hedman. "We deserve that chance to go play for our country, and it means so much for us as well. It is the greatest honor as a Swedish player. So I'm really hoping that we're going to get a chance to play on a big stage."

While at the World Junior Championship, IIHF President Rene Fasel said they need to hear from the NHL about participation in the 2022 Olympics by the end of the summer. Hedman has yet to play in the Olympic Games and undoubtedly would be a cornerstone piece for what could be the strongest Swedish entry since winning gold in 2006, when then-35-year-old Lidstrom starred on the back end.

If the NHL allows its players to go in 2022, Hedman could have a number of new talented faces joining him on the blue line in the iconic Tre Kronor jersey. And Sweden will be better for it.

KA'UPULEHI-KONA, Hawaii – Bernhard Langer and Miguel Angel Jimenez shot 8-under 64 on Thursday to share the first-round lead in the PGA Tour Champions' season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship.

Ernie Els struggled in his debut on the 50-and-over tour, shooting a 72. The four-time major winner from South Africa turned 50 in October.

Langer and Jimenez closed with birdies on the par-4 18th at breezy Hualalai Golf Course. Langer had nine birdies and a bogey.

''I had a wonderful day – start with a birdie, finished with a birdie and really played solid golf,'' Langer said. ''I made one stupid bogey. We make good bogeys and we make terrible bogeys. I had a pitching wedge from middle of the fairway and made bogey, so that doesn't feel good, but it happens.

The 62-year-old German star won the event in 2009, 2014 and 2017.

''Obviously, I'm 62, so getting up there in age,'' Langer said. ''The young guys coming out like Ernie Els and Retief Goosen and many others who hit it 20, 30, maybe 40 yards by me. So, it's going to get harder, but I still believe that I can improve and compete at the highest level.''

Jimenez, the 56-year-old Spaniard who won in 2015, had eight birdies in a bogey-free round.

''Playing very well, very solid. I miss just a couple of shots, but I'm not used to the distance,'' Jimenez said. ''I make good up-and-downs and then chances for birdie. I make my birdie and here we are.''

Woody Austin opened with a 65, and Kenny Perry and Joe Durant shot 66. Goosen, Fred Couples and defending Charles Schwab Cup champion Scott McCarron topped the group at 67.

Tom Watson and John Daly shot 69, and defending champion Tom Lehman had a 71.

Els was tied for 30th in the 37-player field. Paired with Couples, Els had four birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey.

Justin Rose and Matt Kuchar are the two highest ranked players in the Singapore Open field and they’re playing like it thus far.

Rose, No. 9 in the Official World Golf Ranking, and Kuchar, No. 24, are tied at 8 under par through two rounds at Sentosa Golf Club. They are two off the 36-hole lead, held by Jazz Janewattananond.

World No. 26 Henrik Stenson is eight back after a 1-over 72.

Rose began his second round with a bogey at the par-4 first, but that was his lone dropped shot of the day. He added two birdies on the front side and four more on the back for a 5-under 66.

“My round was still quite flat on the front nine, but I knew I just had to stay patient and I waited for things to change and I had a nice back nine and a good finish birdieing three of the last four holes,” Rose told reporters.

Kuchar’s round was more of a roller-coaster. The American had seven birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey for a 3-under 68.

While many eyes will be on Kuchar and Rose, Janewattananond can’t be overlooked. The 23-year-old Thai player is ranked 38^th in the world and is the defending champion. He, like Rose, had six birdies and one bogey en route to a 5-under 66 in Round 2.

“Well, there’s still two more days and anything can happen. There are a lot of good players here,” Janewattananond told reporters. “Kuchar and Rose are well within reach and I will just stick to my plan and hopefully will take a win for the weekend.”

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Japanese golf fans would love to see a rivalry between Nasa Hataoka and Hinako Shibuno push them both to the medal stage with the Olympics in Tokyo later this year.

Hataoka more than senses that.

She hears it.

“This offseason, all the Japanese media was asking me about the Olympics, about Shibuno, comparing us,” Hataoka said through a translator. “It adds some stress.”

Hataoka, 20, is relishing a chance to compete for the gold medal in her homeland.

“I watched the Olympic golf in Rio in 2016, and it made me really want to play,” said Hataoka, whose 2-under-par 69 Friday left her just two shots off the lead at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions. “This is the year, and to be able to do it in Tokyo, would be special.”

Hataoka stepped up as heir to the retiring Ai Miyazato, the darling of Japanese women’s golf. Hataoka was a 17-year-old amateur when she won the Japanese Women’s Open, becoming the youngest winner in the championship’s history. She struggled as a rookie in 2017, after coming to the United States to earn her LPGA tour card at Q-School, but she found her stride in her second season.  She won a pair of LPGA titles in 2018, including the Toto Classic in her homeland, and she nearly won the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, losing in a playoff. She won the Kia Classic last year and a pair of JLPGA majors.

That run helped propel Hataoka to her current No. 6 standing in this week’s Rolex Women’s World Rankings.

Last summer, another young star emerged to challenge as Miyazato’s heir.

Shibuno charmed the golf world winning the AIG Women’s British Open as a 20-year-old in her first LPGA major, joining Hisako Higuchi as the only Japanese players to win a major. Shibuno is now No. 11 in the world rankings, but she isn’t playing this week. She isn’t an LPGA member.

“My goal is to compete in the Olympics in Tokyo,” Shibuno told reporters upon returning to a hero’s welcome at Hanedo Airport after winning the Women’s British Open.

Hataoka and Shibuno have been all the buzz in Japanese women’s golf and the early buildup to Tokyo. They would join Ai Suzuki representing Japan if the Olympics were staged this week. Suzuki is No. 13 in the Olympic Women’s Golf Rankings. Qualifying, however, continues until June 29. The top two players from a country earn spots in the Olympics, within a limit of 60 total qualifiers from around the world. However, up to four players from a country can qualify if they are each within the top 15 in the Olympic rankings.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – LPGA commissioner Mike Whan likes to say every week is an Olympic event on his tour.

You can see what he means going into the weekend at the season-opening Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions.

Inbee Park, who won the gold medal in golf’s return to the Olympics four years ago, shares the lead with Canadian Brooke Henderson at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando. Park put up a 3-under 68 and Henderson a 66 on Friday to move to 9 under. They are one shot ahead of Mexico’s Gaby Lopez (69) and two ahead of Japan’s Nasa Hataoka (69) and South Korea’s Sei Young Kim (69).

American Danielle Kang (73) is just three back.

Players from six nations hold the top seven spots in an event that helps shape the road to Tokyo and this year’s Olympics.

In the celebrity pro-am competition, Chad Pfeifer, a military veteran and U.S. Disabled Golf Association pro, is tied for the lead with defending champ John Smoltz and Mardy Fish. They’re at 74 points in the Modified-Stableford format.

Golf Channel’s Blair O’Neal is tied for sixth, eight points back. She’s playing six months pregnant.

For Park, there’s a chance to win for the first time in almost two years.

“I really love where I’m positioned for the weekend,” she said.

Park, 31, doesn’t get an automatic invite to defend her gold medal in Tokyo Aug. 5-8. She has to play her way on to the South Korean team, the most difficult team to make in the women’s game. She’s currently sixth in the Korean Olympic qualifying ranking, with four players likely to make the team.

A victory this week would do a lot to help Park’s cause.

Park typically doesn’t start the year this early, but her Olympic push has motivated her to play a lot at season’s start. She got her preseason training started early as she plans to play the first four events of the season.

“When I was practicing in the offseason, I was hitting the ball good, and I felt like I was putting a little better,” Park said. “I didn’t know when it was going to come together. The first two days has been very satisfying.”

Fellow competitors know what can happen when Park’s game comes together, especially her putting.

“She’s a special talent,” said Angela Stanford, who is four shots back after a second-round 72. “There’s a God-given gift there, but she obviously works at it.

“No disrespect at all, but I don’t think people fear her because of her ball striking. I’d be OK if people didn’t fear me for my ball striking if I made everything I looked at.”

Park has won 19 LPGA titles, seven of them major championships. She won three in a row in 2013, but she was winless on tour last year. A victory would catapult her up the Olympic rankings in her bid to make it to Tokyo.

“But we still have 15, 20 events before the cutoff date for the Olympics,” Park said. “So, we’ve got a lot of golf to play.”

Henderson, 22, is seeking her 10th LPGA title. She has won in each of the last five years, going back to when she was a 17-year-old pro, before she was even a tour member. She eagled the 17th Friday, knocking a 3-wood from 230 yards to 4 inches.

“It's a little bit more of a relaxed week in a way,” Henderson said. “You're talking a little bit more and just enjoying the crowds, but definitely was coming in here trying to compete. So, I'm excited I'm in contention coming into the weekend.”

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Something special is unfolding in the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions celebrity pro-am division.

Chad Pfeifer, a military veteran who lost his lower left leg in the Iraq war, moved into a share of the lead Friday with defending champion John Smoltz and former tennis professional Mardy Fish. They’re at 74 points in the Modified Stableford format.

Blair O’Neal, Golf Channel’s School of Golf host, is tied for sixth, eight points back. She’s playing six months pregnant.

Pfeifer isn’t showing many nerves playing on a big TV stage, with the telecast moving from Golf Channel to NBC on the weekend.

“I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing, keep having fun and keep playing golf,” Pfeifer said. “Nobody is trying to blow me up or shoot me, so life is fun.”

Pfeifer has won a pair of national amputee championships, three U.S. wounded warrior events and ranks seventh in the world among disabled golfers.

“People thank me for my service all the time,” Pfeifer said of the warm reception he’s receiving at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando. “I see a lot of Army and Marines and veterans’ hats. It’s fun.”

O’Neal’s altered swing is holding up nicely around her baby bump.

“I’ve got to get this baby through the swings,” O’Neal said. “I’ve got all this extra weight here, because I’ve really popped. He doesn’t let me hit the ball as far. So, I’m having to hit two clubs more. It’s a bit of an adjustment, but I’m just going with it.”

Ashley Young has completed a transfer from Manchester United to Serie A side Inter Milan, the clubs announced on Friday.

Thank you for everything at #MUFC, @Youngy18 ?

Wishing you the very best of luck with Inter Milan! ?? pic.twitter.com/q8wIOmZ6Xn

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2020

The 34-year-old defender's new deal lasts through the end of June with an option to extend for a further season. Sources told ESPN that United accepted a bid in the region of €1.5 million for Young, who joined from Aston Villa in 2011.

In a series of tweets, Young thanked United fans, saying: "You gave me the chance to play with legends, to win trophies, to work under the greatest manager in history and to be your captain. Thank you for letting me be part of your story for eight and a half years.

"Every time I walked on the pitch wearing your shirt I gave you my all. Thank you for your support during the highs and the lows. I leave as one of you, see you again in an away end soon."

? | PHOTOS@youngy18 ⚫️?#WelcomeAshley #NotForEveryone pic.twitter.com/7D3oqp8N3z

— Inter (@Inter_en) January 17, 2020

Young, who in recent years has predominantly played at left-back but can also play on the wing, joins former United teammates Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez at the San Siro.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hoped to keep Young, who was appointed club captain in the summer after the departure of Antonio Valencia, until at least the end of the season.

The England defender rejected the offer of a new contract to extend his stay at Old Trafford, however, instead informing club chiefs of his desire to head to Inter.

With Young's departure, Solskjaer confirmed on Friday that Harry Maguire would be the new team captain. The Norweigan boss insisted there were no hard feelings with Young's exit.

"To be fair, I think it was for Ashley, he's 35 in the summer and if he gets a two-year contract somewhere I think it's up to him to take that," Solskjaer said. "We weren't ready to offer that. He's been a good servant, captain, won trophies, cups, but we've got players coming through."

Young made 261 appearances for United but was left out of the last three matchday squads amid the uncertainty around his future.

In his eight-and-a-half-year spell at United, he won the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League and League Cup.

Nashville CEO Ian Ayre likened Jurgen Klopp, the man he hired to coach Liverpool, a prophet in the way he goes about his job and said he knew right away that he was perfect to lead the Anfield club.

Ayre, the 56-year-old who served as Liverpool's chief executive from 2014 to 2017, told ESPN at Major League Soccer's media day in Los Angeles that within 15 minutes of meeting the German boss he was ready to hand him the reins of the club he's supported his whole life.

"I'm a big believer that when you run a football club that first impressions are everything," Ayre said. "And the first time I met Jurgen... I can honestly say within 15 minutes I thought this guy is perfect.

"It was one of the times that you know that your team, your city, your club and, with all the greatest respect to all the managers that came before him, I think Jurgen is almost like this prophet type level of manager and he is absolutely perfect for that club."

Klopp has Liverpool charging toward a first title in the English top flight since 1990, with the team 14 points ahead of defending champions Manchester City in the Premier League table.

And Ayre said that all of the wild celebrations and emotions that Klopp, who led Liverpool to a Champions League winning season in their last campaign, show on the sidelines are not just for effect.

"One of the things I really admire about [Klopp] is he's very natural," Ayre said. "Everything you see from him, going on the field and hugging everybody [after matches] and that whole thing, it's very natural.

"He doesn't do it for effect, he doesn't do it to make himself seem like a nicer person, it's just real and I just connected with him immediately."

Ayre's latest project is overseeing MLS expansion side Nashville SC as the team prepares for its debut season this year and he plans to draw on his experiences laying the foundation of Liverpool's successes during that process.

"[Having patience] is the hardest piece and that's why I think you have to be aligned as a group," he said. "The owners, the coach, the management, the players, everybody has to be aligned with the plan and you have to stick together.

"The hardest people to bring along on that journey is the fans. Everyone wants instant success, but if you keep aligned as people and you can look at all the people in the room and say 'we're on the same path,' then I think you can achieve great things."

Nashville plays its first regular season MLS game at home on Saturday, Feb. 29 against Atlanta United at Nissan Stadium.

New U.S. women's national team coach Vlatko Andonovski's roster for the CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament includes 18 of the 23 players who helped the American team win the 2019 World Cup, but there was no room for young stars Mallory Pugh and Tierna Davidson.

Tobin Heath and Carli Lloyd headline the continuity, seeking to become four-time Olympians -- and three-time gold medalists -- if the U.S. qualifies and they make the final roster this summer.

The upcoming eight-team qualifying tournament in Texas and California determines which two teams will represent CONCACAF in Japan.

Because Olympic rosters are capped at 20 players, three fewer than World Cups, Andonovski was never going to be able to keep exactly the same team that Jill Ellis coached to the title in France last summer. And unlike four years ago, when several players retired after the U.S. won the 2015 World Cup, almost all players remained in contention for qualifying. This time only Alex Morgan, who is expecting her first child, wasn't part of the team's January training camp.

The four World Cup winners who were invited to the most recent training camp but were not selected for the qualifying roster are midfielders Morgan Brian and Allie Long, defender Davidson and forward Pugh. None of the four played any minutes for the U.S. once it reached the knockout rounds of last summer's World Cup.

The omission of Davidson, Pugh, both 21, represents at least a temporary setback for two of the highest-profile young American players.

The NWSL No. 1 overall pick in 2019, Davidson is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the NWSL playoffs. She was invited to the recent training camp but Andonovski indicated she was not able to participate to any extensive degree and would likely not be physically ready to play 90 minutes in time for qualifying.

Pugh, who was traded from the Washington Spirit to Sky Blue FC on Wednesday, made the Olympic roster fresh out of high school in 2016. She then bypassed college without ever playing a game at UCLA and turned pro. But she has struggled at times to stay healthy and become a consistent dominant presence in the NWSL, even as she made the World Cup roster in 2019.

"It was competitive and she did well, but there were other players that I believed performed better than Mal," Andonovski said. "Now, by saying that, I want to be clear that she is a very good, very talented player. She performed well. She has a big future in front of her. I'm pretty sure that if she keeps on developing going forward, she will be on this roster."

To that end, Andonovski also said that Pugh, uniquely among the omissions, would continue to train with the team despite not being included on the roster.

The degree of roster continuity also suggests Andonovski doesn't intend to dramatically alter the shape or style of the U.S. from last year. That is most evident in the selection of Crystal Dunn as a defender. A prolific scorer as a forward or midfielder in club football, winning NWSL MVP honors with the Washington Spirit in 2015 and helping the North Carolina Courage win the past two NWSL titles, Dunn was cast as a fullback for the U.S. en route to World Cup success.

In not selecting other options at the position -- like Midge Purce or Casey Short, both of whom participated in the January camp -- Andonovski indicated that Dunn will remain a defender.

"At least for now she's a defender," Andonovski said. "But going forward, I would not be surprised if we see her in another role."

The rest of the back line is made up of Abby Dahlkemper, Ali Krieger, Kelley O'Hara, Becky Sauerbrunn and Emily Sonnett, while the World Cup goalkeeping trio of Adrianna Franch, Ashlyn Harris and Alyssa Naeher remains intact.

Midfielder Andi Sullivan and forward Lynn Williams are the only members of the qualifying roster who were not part of the World Cup roster. Sullivan, 24, and Williams, 26, each debuted for the U.S. under Ellis and have double-digit career international appearances.

Sullivan joins World Cup holders Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle and Samantha Mewis in a young midfield that looks like the cornerstone of the future. Williams joins Heath, Lloyd, Jessica McDonald, Christen Press and Ballon d'Or winner Megan Rapinoe on the front line.

In addition to Heath and Lloyd attempting to reach the Olympic for a fourth time, O'Hara, Rapinoe and Sauerbrunn are each seeking a third trip to the Olympics. Morgan, who won the Silver Boot (given to the tournament's second-leading scorer) in the most recent World Cup and has said she hopes to make the final roster this summer if the U.S. qualifies, would also be seeking a third Olympic appearance.

The U.S. opens qualifying against Haiti on Jan. 28 in Houston, where it will remain for additional group games against Panama and Costa Rica. The U.S. is a combined 23-0-0 against those three opponents in its history, outscoring them 137-2. That includes a 6-0 win against Costa Rica, the highest ranked of the three in FIFA's world rankings, to close the 2019 schedule.

The winner of the U.S.'s group will play a semifinal in Carson, California, against the second-place team from the group containing Canada, Jamaica, Mexico and St. Kitts and Nevis. The winners of both semifinals qualify for the Olympics.

Unlike World Cup qualifying, there is no possible route to qualification for the semifinal losers.

It has taken almost 30 years, but Liverpool are finally on course to become English league champions this season for the first time since 1990. Jurgen Klopp's team go into Sunday's clash with Manchester United at Anfield with a 14-point lead at the top of the Premier League table -- and with a game in hand, no less. They have won 20 of their 21 league games so far this season. Only Manchester United, at Old Trafford in October, have been able to take points off Liverpool during the 2019-20 campaign, and nobody has been able to beat them.

This is a case of when, not if, they lift the Premier League trophy. But how many records are they capable of breaking?

Can they surpass Manchester City's record 100-point mark and the 19-point winning margin set by Pep Guardiola's team in 2017-18? Can they emulate Arsenal's 2003-04 Invincibles by winning the title without suffering a defeat? Can they secure the most league wins -- Man City with 32 in 2017-18 is the best -- and claim the most away points by eclipsing City's haul of 50 during the same season? And can they smash City's record by hitting more than 106 goals in a league season?

With 17 games to play, and 51 points still available, we analysed Liverpool's run-in to assess what Klopp's men can achieve this season.

Sunday: Manchester United (H)
Prediction: WIN

Liverpool have gone 51 home games without defeat in the Premier League, a run stretching back to April 2017. Although clashes against United are traditionally unpredictable, Liverpool's attacking qualities should expose the visitors' shaky defence. United have pace and quality up front, however, so if they score first, it could lead to a shock result. But we're not betting on it.

Jan. 23: Wolves (A)
Prediction: DRAW

Wolves have established themselves as one of the leading sides in the Premier League under coach Nuno Espirito Santo, and they have the quality to stop the Liverpool juggernaut at Molineux. With Champions League qualification still within their grasp, Wolves need the points from this game more than Liverpool, so expect a hard-fought clash that ends with a share of the points.

Jan. 29: West Ham (A)
Prediction: WIN

When the top teams visit West Ham, they usually enjoy the wide-open spaces at the London Stadium. It's difficult to think David Moyes will devise a game plan capable of nullifying the front three of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino; after all, much better teams have tried and failed. What's more, Moyes' record against the big clubs is miserable enough. It's the perfect match in which Liverpool can pad their goals tally.

Feb. 1: Southampton (H)
Prediction: WIN

Ralph Hasenhuttl has inspired a remarkable recovery at Southampton since his team suffered their humiliating 9-0 home defeat against Leicester in October. But while the man dubbed the "Alpine Klopp" has given Saints a great chance of survival, he's unlikely to regard this trip to Anfield as anything other than a damage-limitation exercise.

Feb. 15: Norwich (A)
Prediction: WIN

Norwich stunned the football world when they beat Manchester City at Carrow Road in September, but the result proved to be an outlier. Daniel Farke's team are rock-bottom of the Premier League and face a nasty relegation battle. Liverpool, meanwhile, have scored 16 goals in their past four visits to Norwich. This will be another messy 90 minutes for the Canaries.

Feb. 24: West Ham (H)
Prediction: WIN

Moyes has never guided a team to victory at Anfield, and few would expect him to end his dismal record against Liverpool in this game. Expect another big Liverpool victory.

Feb. 29: Watford (A)
Prediction: DRAW

Watford have begun to find form under new manager Nigel Pearson, but they will still need points in their bid to stave off relegation when Liverpool travel to Vicarage Road. On paper, this is a game Klopp & Co. will be expected to win. We're going to play the contrarian here: Watford are a dangerous outfit good enough to snatch a draw and cause Liverpool to drop points.

March 7: Bournemouth (H)
Prediction: WIN

Bournemouth have never won at Anfield, so don't expect Eddie Howe's team to end that sorry record in this game despite their battle for points to avoid relegation. This will be a straightforward win for Liverpool.

March 14: Everton (A)
Prediction: DRAW

If results go their way and their rivals continue to drop points, there's an outside chance Liverpool could clinch the title at Goodison Park in March. But with or without the prospect of Liverpool ending their 30-year wait in their neighbours' backyard, Everton will be determined to halt their rivals' march to the title. New manager Carlo Ancelotti should have imposed his methods on Everton by this stage, so expect a fierce draw.

March 21: Crystal Palace (H)
Prediction: DRAW

Some teams just have an edge on others, and in recent seasons, Crystal Palace have become something of a bogey side for Liverpool. They are the most recent team to win a league game at Anfield, when Christian Benteke scored twice in a 2-1 win in April 2017, and they famously fought back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at Selhurst Park in a game that all but ended Liverpool's title dream in 2014. Crystal Palace won't end the dream this time, but they will delay the title celebrations by claiming a point in this one.

April 4: Manchester City (A)
Prediction: LOSE

A team of great champions will always want to make their challengers fight every inch of the way before surrendering their title, and City will remind the world of their quality when Liverpool visit the Etihad. This is a game Guardiola's side will be desperate to win and, with the pressure beginning to ease on Liverpool as the title looms, City's desire will see them put an end to hopes of an unbeaten season.

April 11: Aston Villa (H)
Prediction: WIN

After their mini-wobble (if you can call it that), Liverpool will get back to winning ways against a Villa side struggling to avoid an instant return to the Championship. A win in this one could seal the title and, although Klopp's players will settle for winning the title anywhere, they would ideally want to wrap it up in front of their own fans at Anfield.

April 18: Brighton & Hove Albion (A)
Prediction: WIN

Graham Potter has enjoyed a successful first season in charge at Brighton, but the Seagulls are unlikely to be safe from the drop by the time Liverpool come to town. Expect a hard-fought game at the Amex Stadium. You might also want to mark your calendar: This could be the day Liverpool are crowned champions. Either way, it's another three points for the Reds.

April 25: Burnley (H)
Prediction: WIN

If the title hasn't been clinched by the time Sean Dyche's team visit Anfield, Liverpool might be suffering from a case of the jitters for this one. Burnley will be in need of points to keep them clear of the drop zone, but their winless run at Anfield dates back to September 1974. Who are we kidding: Liverpool get the points. Again.

May 2: Arsenal (A)
Prediction: LOSE

Barring a calamitous loss of form, Liverpool will travel to the Emirates as Premier League champions. But if they face Arsenal with their unbeaten record still intact, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta can expect a passionate home crowd to drive his players on to the victory that will ensure that Arsenal remain the only Invincibles of the Premier League era. Despite their defensive frailties, Arsenal still have the firepower to win this one.

May 9: Chelsea (H)
Prediction: WIN

As the final home game of the season, this will be the day Jordan Henderson becomes the first Liverpool captain since Alan Hansen in 1990 to lead the club to the league title. It will be a party day at Anfield, with Kop unlikely to allow Liverpool to do anything but secure the win that will cap a long-awaited occasion. Chelsea will need points for a top-four finish, but Liverpool will claim all three.

May 17: Newcastle (A)
Prediction: WIN

Liverpool will travel to St. James' Park as champions, and they might still have points and goals records to chase down against Steve Bruce's team. Newcastle might be in need of points to avoid relegation, but the gulf in class between the two sides will see a comfortable Liverpool win.

VERDICT:

Liverpool will win the Premier League title this season, but they will fall short of the 100-point mark. They can also forget about becoming only the third team in English football history, after Preston in 1889 and Arsenal in 2004, to become champions without losing a game.

ESPN expects Liverpool to win another 37 points this season, taking them to 98, but after waiting so long to get their hands on the Premier League trophy, they might have to wait until next year before rewriting the record books.