U.S. Women’s national team head coach Jill Ellis has shaken things up a bit ahead of a pair of June friendlies against China, calling up a squad of 24 that features experience and big opportunities to those lacking it.
In addition to the usual names, the list of 24 features the likes of Julie Ertz, Tobin Heath, Samantha Mewis, and Amy Rodriguez, who all return from injury. Ertz’s injury was one that saw her miss most of March’s SheBelieves Cup and April’s matches against Mexico, while the other three had been out of the team for more than six months. Additionally, Christen Press has returned to the fold after missing the April friendlies while sorting out her club situation.
The roster sees a large number of players seemingly on the bubble to make the World Cup qualifying team, and many who are looking for their first caps. Merritt Mathias is the latest name to be considered as a fullback for the U.S., and will be looking for her first match in a USWNT jersey along with Casey Murphy, Margaret Purce, and Abby Smith.
The U.S. will be without a few of its mainstays through injury. Kelley O’Hara will once again miss USWNT duty, as will Mallory Pugh, Emily Sonnett, and Lynn Williams, who are nursing injuries. Rose Lavelle has recently made her return from a long-term hamstring injury, playing in the Washington Spirit’s loss to the Houston Dash this weekend, but may not be fit enough to participate in camp.
Here is the full roster:
GOALKEEPERS (4): Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Casey Murphy (Montpellier HSC), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Abby Smith (Utah Royals FC)
DEFENDERS (6): Abby Dahlkemper (NC Courage), Tierna Davidson (Stanford), Sofia Huerta (Chicago Red Stars), Merritt Mathias (NC Courage), Margaret Purce (Portland Thorns FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (Utah Royals FC)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Morgan Brian (Olympique Lyon), Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage), Allie Long (Seattle Reign FC), McCall Zerboni (NC Courage)
FORWARDS (7): Crystal Dunn (NC Courage), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Savannah McCaskill (Sky Blue FC), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC), Amy Rodriguez (Utah Royals FC)
That is a pretty good line-up considering the injuries. The only thing that concerns me is on the back line. I’d feel a lot better if Ali Kreiger, Megan Klingenberg, and Kelly O’Hara were back there. However, this will be a good chance for some of the others to make their bones, as China is a VERY tenacious team in the other teams end.
After having a baby, it will take some time for Sydney Leroux to get her groove back. She has a knack for scoring goals. However, she will have to be able to run the field for 90 if
she ever hopes to break back in to the top 14.
RE Sydney Leroux – Just saw where she scored 2 goals in a period of 2 minutes in an NWSL Match. So obviously, she is back on track. I would expect to see here on at least one of the USWNT Rosters prior to the W/C CONCACAF Qualifying Tourney.
z where is Sydney Leroux??