By RYAN TOLMICH
The attacking stars of the U.S. Women’s National Team will be on full display in Cary, North Carolina.
Head coach Jill Ellis has named 19 players for the U.S.’s upcoming clash against Switzerland, with national team mainstays Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan and Sydney Leroux among those selected for the Aug. 20 encounter.
Of the 19 players selected, 18 play in the National Women’s Soccer League. Midfielder Morgan Brian is the lone exception, as she currently features for the University of Virginia.
“With the very short time together, we’re just bringing in these 19 players, but we’re excited about the chance to play a team that has some talented attackers and that will be in the World Cup next summer,” Ellis said in press release from U.S. Soccer. “It’s been tremendous to watch our players compete in the NWSL this season and I’m really excited to get them together for what will be another great test for our team.”
Despite recent legal controversy, goalkeeper Hope Solo will likely pursue the national team’s all-time shutout record, as the Seattle Reign FC is currently tied for the all-time lead with former U.S. goalkeeper Briana Scurry at 71 career shutouts.
For their part, Switzerland are one of six sides to have already qualified for the 2015 World Cup, the first in the team’s history. The Swiss have been dominant throughout qualifying, boasting a 8-0-1 record in qualifying.
The North Carolina meeting will be the first time the U.S. women face Switzerland in the team’s history.
Here’s a closer look at the full U.S. Women’s National Team roster for the upcoming game:
GOALKEEPERS: Ashlyn Harris (Washington Spirit), Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)
DEFENDERS: Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Houston Dash), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Christie Rampone (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City)
MIDFIELDERS: Morgan Brian (Virginia), Lauren Holiday (FC Kansas City), Carli Lloyd (WNY Flash), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Heather O’Reilly (Boston Breakers), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC)
FORWARDS: Sydney Leroux (Seattle Reign FC), Alex Morgan (Portland Thorns), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Amy Rodriguez (FC Kansas City), Abby Wambach (WNY Flash)