Soccer News
Ashley Sanchez, Alyssa Thompson return to USWNT roster for October friendlies
Emma Hayes has named her first U.S. women’s national team roster since the team won gold at the Paris Olympics in August. The U.S. will play three matches during the October FIFA international break: a pair against Iceland, and another against Argentina.
Midfielder Ashley Sanchez and forward Alyssa Thompson were named to the roster, after both players were left off the Olympic side. In addition, Hayes has added six uncapped players: defenders Eva Gaetino, Alyssa Malonson and Emily Sams; midfielder Hal Hershfelt; and forwards Yazmeen Ryan and Emma Sears.
In the 26-player roster, 18 players are from the Paris gold medal winning team. However, injuries have sidelined Trinity Rodman, Tierna Davidson and Croix Bethune. U.S. defender Crystal Dunn has also been left off the roster, due to personal commitments.
Sams and Hershfelt were on the Olympic alternate roster and trained with the team, but did not make an official appearance in Paris. Sams earned a gold medal by making a gameday roster.
Hayes said the purpose of the October camp is progress.
“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,” she said 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.”
The U.S. will take on Iceland in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 24, and then meet against in Nashville, Tennessee, on Oct. 27. Three days later, the first-ever women’s national team match at Lynn Family Stadium will see the U.S. face Argentina in Louisville, Kentucky, on Oct. 30.
The full U.S. women’s national team roster is below.
USWNT October Friendly Roster vs. Iceland, Argentina
GOALKEEPERS (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash; 8), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage; 19), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 112)
DEFENDERS (9): Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 57/1), Eva Gaetino (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 0/0), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC; 40/0), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit; 56/0), Hailie Mace (Kansas City Current; 8/0), Alyssa Malonson (Bay FC; 0/0), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 15/2), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 0/0), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 99/2)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 18/1), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 24/1), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit; 0/0), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA; 156/35), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 106/24), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 4/2), Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage; 27/3)
FORWARDS (7): Yazmeen Ryan (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 0/0), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 0/0), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC; 16/7), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC; 56/23), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars; 100/38), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC; 9/0), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 71/19)
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