US women’s national team (USWNT) interim manager, Twila Kilgore, has left out World Cup winner Alex Morgan from her 26-player roster for upcoming friendlies against China.
Several veterans, including Morgan, were omitted from the squad for the friendlies on 2 December and 5 December. 11 players with 10 caps or fewer have been named to the roster as the US enters a new era after a disappointing performance at the 2023 World Cup. Six players from the World Cup squad were also left off the roster.
Sofia Huerta, Alyssa Naeher, Ashley Sanchez, Becky Sauerbrunn, Crystal Dunn, Andi Sullivan, and Morgan all featured in the team’s friendlies last month but have been left out of the squad, with US Soccer looking to evaluate a new generation of players before next year’s Olympics. Thirteen of the players named in Monday’s squad were not involved at the World Cup.
These developments marks the first matches since Chelsea manager, Emma Hayes, was named as the next US national team coach.
Kilgore said, “As we move forward with the next steps, we need more opportunities to see players from our pool in our unique national team environment, in both training and games, so we can evaluate if and how they might contribute moving forward to the Olympics.”
Rose Lavelle is back in the USWNT fold for the first time since the World Cup. There are also returns for veteran defenders Tierna Davidson and Abby Dahlkemper.
Two uncapped players were named to the roster: Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Korbin Albert and NJ/NY Gotham midfielder Jenna Nighswonger, both of whom will contribute to the team’s best chance for success.
The friendlies against China will be the USWNT’s final fixtures of 2023, marking their second-most common opponent in US history (after Canada).
Full USWNT squad for friendlies v China
Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell, Houston Dash; Aubrey Kingsbury, Washington Spirit; Casey Murphy, North Carolina Courage
Defenders: Alana Cook, OL Reign; Abby Dahlkemper, San Diego Wave FC; Tierna Davidson, Chicago Red Stars; Emily Fox, North Carolina Courage; Naomi Girma, San Diego Wave FC; Casey Krueger, Chicago Red Stars; MA Vignola, Angel City FC
Midfielders: Korbin Albert, Paris Saint-Germain; Sam Coffey, Portland Thorns FC; Savannah DeMelo, Racing Louisville FC; Lindsey Horan, Lyon; Rose Lavelle, OL Reign; Olivia Moultrie, Portland Thorns FC; Jenna Nighswonger, NJ/NY Gotham FC; Emily Sonnett, OL Reign
Forwards: Mia Fishel, Chelsea; Ashley Hatch, Washington Spirit; Midge Purce, NJ/NY Gotham FC; Trinity Rodman, Washington Spirit; Jaedyn Shaw, San Diego Wave FC; Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns FC; Alyssa Thompson, Angel City FC; Lynn Williams, NJ/NY Gotham FC
Michael Johnson is your soccer guru, providing extensive coverage of soccer. With a global perspective, he delivers match reports, player interviews, and insights into the beautiful game, ensuring readers stay connected to the world of soccer.
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