The United States Women’s National Team Announces Roster for Upcoming Friendlies
The United States Women’s National Team will take the field next week for the first time since being crowned as the Olympic gold medalists in Paris. Today, Emma Hayes and U.S. Soccer announced the 26-player roster for upcoming friendlies against Iceland and Argentina.
The USWNT have three friendlies in this window: October 24th against Iceland at Q2 Stadium in Austin, October 27th against Iceland at GEODIS Park in Nashville, and on October 30th against Argentina at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville.
With the three match window, it presents Emma Hayes to get an additional opportunity to evaluate players as the team fully enters a new World Cup cycle. She brings in a few more players, including some players that haven’t been on the team in a while. “There’s no doubt that the summer was brilliant, and we want to make these three games about celebrating some amazing accomplishments and players, but at the same time, we can’t rest on any laurels,” said Hayes in a statement. “Our focus is forward, our focus is on our process, and we want to keep chasing new heights. I love that we get to see most of our Olympic Team again after a few months, but I also love getting to work with some newer players and evaluate how they perform in our environment. Every 90 minutes of an international match is full of learning, for me and the players, and we’re looking forward to three great games for our fans to end our home schedule before we go to Europe in November.”
There have been some injuries to some players which precluded them from being called in, like the Washington Spirit’s Croix Bethune and Andi Sullivan. Trinity Rodman is also absent from this roster as she continues to recover from a back injury, and Crystal Dunn is also absent due to rehab and recovery. Alex Morgan announced her immediate retirement from soccer last month.
The match in Nashville on October 27th will serve as a celebration for Kelley O’Hara, who will retire at the end of the NWSL season. O’Hara is currently out for the season due to injury and will not play in the match.
The 26-player USWNT roster:
- GOALKEEPERS (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
- DEFENDERS (9): Emily Fox (Arsenal FC), Eva Gaetino (Paris Saint-Germain), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Hailie Mace (Kansas City Current), Alyssa Malonson (Bay FC), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
- MIDFIELDERS (7): Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage)
- FORWARDS (7): Yazmeen Ryan (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
Eighteen members of the team were on the roster that won gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Ashley Sanchez and Alyssa Thompson return to this roster after lengthy absences. Both players were on the USWNT for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Hal Hershfelt and defender Emily Sams also return to the roster after being alternates for the Olympics, and Eva Gaetino makes her second USWNT roster. Defender Alyssa Malonson and forwards Yazmeen Ryan and Emma Sears all earn their first USWNT call-ups. Only four players on the roster have over 100 caps: Lindsey Horan, Alyssa Naeher, Rose Lavelle, and Mallory Swanson. However, Emily Sonnett will join the 100 cap club with an appearance on the field during this international window, as she currently sits on 99 caps.
Source: U.S. Soccer
