How her OL Reign and USWNT form has taken off

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Rose Lavelle scored a stunning goal in the Women's World Cup final to help the U.S. women's national team win its second title. She lifted the Bronze Ball, a nod to her stellar performances throughout the tournament, and in many ways she was a star.

The way in which the tournaments present players' journeys is by presenting them as linear paths made of singular moments. Lavelle was exceptional in that final, but she was still a young player who wanted more consistency.

With the World Cup next year and this summer's qualification tournament, Lavelle is playing better than ever. Her return to the National Women's Soccer League is one of the reasons for that.

Megan Rapinoe said that they want to giveRose that freedom to do that. She has to be a player who is not aggressive.

Lavelle played only six games for the Washington Spirit because of injuries and availability issues as the NWSL played through most of the World Cup Lavelle's time in England was marked by injuries and her coach's tendency to play her out of her best position.

After one season in the NWSL, Lavelle left England and joined the Reign, who traded a first-round pick and $200,000 to acquire her rights in anticipation of her return to the league. Her arrival coincides with the return of Laura Harvey as head coach, as well as loans for Lyon stars, but the Reign were upset in the semifinals by Washington.

Lavelle is in her first full season with the club. She is playing the most consistent version of Rose Lavelle since she arrived.

The best of Lavelle can be unlocked by using the word freedom. She is a human highlight reel, a player who has the kind of creativity and vision on the ball that is historically rare among American players. She was named player of the match against England when she made her senior international debut in March of last year. To reach her potential, Lavelle needs an artistic license that allows her to try unconventional ideas.

Lavelle is able to drift out of the traditionally central areas of the No. 10 role and find the game thanks to Harvey's plan. Lavelle can better combine with the Reign's front line if she is able to run in the last third. Lavelle generated opportunities in higher areas but also finished them.

Lavelle exchanges places with the No. 9 when she is on the U.S. national team. Lavelle and Catarina Macario had a seamless partnership in those roles, but Macario tore herACL last week and will be out for the foreseeable future.

Lavelle ranks in the top 10 in the NWSL for chances created, and her pass percentage in the attacking third is third in the league. Much of it was on display in France three years ago, and it is expected from a world-class No. 10.

Lavelle is a more complete player now that she's 27 years old. She scored against San Diego Wave FC on May 29th. Lavelle scored the game's only goal when she ran toward the near post after losing her marker and buried a diving head into the back of the net.

Lavelle said she wouldn't score a goal like that again. She was being humble, after all, she nearly scored on a great headed ball 10 seconds into the match against the Kansas City Current.

The most overlooked thing about Lavelle is her defense. She has the most ball recoveries among players with at least three goals, and her 42 tackles are more than any other player.

She quickly converts high areas into opportunities for her team. Lavelle has a significant defensive burden for both the USWNT and the Reign because of her role as a No. 10.

In September, Andonovski said that Rose Lavelle was the best at defending. She transitions as well as she does.

The U.S. coach said that there were many great two-way players in the world. The progress made by Lavelle since the world first noticed her was acknowledged.

She is poised to be a bigger force for the U.S. at next summer's World Cup and a focal point in the Americans quest to three-peat as champion. She may be able to help the Reign win their first NWSL Championship.