Top Stories

USWNT’s Rampone unavailable for Japan friendlies

Photo by Michael Chow/USA Today Sports
Photo by Michael Chow/USA Today Sports

The U.S. Women’s National Team will have to make due without one of the squad’s veteran talents at the backline when they take on Japan in their two upcoming friendlies.

Defender Christie Rampone has been ruled out of USWNT camp after the Sky Blue FC player decided that she still wasn’t ready to compete on the international stage following knee surgery at the end of 2015.

The USWNT will keep the remaining 24 players that head coach Jill Ellis called up ahead of the team’s friendlies and won’t replace Rampone.

“I really appreciate Jill inviting me in, but at this time, I don’t feel one hundred percent healthy enough to train and compete at that level,” said Rampone. “I’ve been able to manage myself and contribute to Sky Blue this season, which I will continue to do, but I also have an understanding of the level of fitness and health needed to push for an Olympic roster spot and I know I’m not there right now. It’s not the right choice for myself or the team to put myself in that environment.”

The 40-year-old has earned 311 caps for the U.S. in her decorated career, which includes playing at last summer’s FIFA World Cup in Canada, where the USWNT hoisted the trophy.

The U.S. and Japan will first meet on June 2 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver, before squaring off once more three days later at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.

Comments

  1. I always hate to see any member of the USWNT over-40 not make any Major Tournament,
    but given how well the younger members of the team have come along, Christie will/would have had a difficult time making it to Rio. But with so many people being injured lately, I won’t
    count anyone out until the final roster is announced.

    Reply
  2. i know it’s not an apples to apples comparison, but the thought that Rampone has 311 caps is mindblowing. Tim Howard only played 400 some odd games for everton!

    Reply

Leave a Comment