With their ticket punched to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, and another CONCACAF championship trophy raised, the U.S. women’s National Team prepares to close out the 2018 season with a pair of international friendlies in Europe.
U.S. Coach Jill Ellis has announced a 24-player roster for November matches with Portugal and Scotland. First up will be Portugal on November 8 at Estoril’s Estadio António Coimbra da Mota, and then a short trip to Scotland to play at The Simple Digital Arena in Paisley on November 13.
The U.S. roster is a blend of veterans and young players, including defender Emily Fox, a collegiate sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill. It is Fox’s first senior call-up after several years as a U-20 national team defensive anchor.
Seventeen of the 20 players from the regional championship team were included. Not included were veterans Morgan Brian and Kelley O’Hara. Back on the roster are Adrianna French and Allie Long who were not included in the regional championship.
The USWNT rolled through the regional tournament, which also served as the World Cup qualifier, with five consecutive shutouts. Ellis’ squad beat Canada 2-0 in the title match. By reaching the final, both the US and Canada earned World Cup berths.
The USA shutout Mexico, Panama, Trinidad &Tobago, Jamaica and Canada by a combined 26-0 score. The USWNT has won 32 games in World Cup qualifying history out of 33 games contested. The only loss came in 2010 vs. Mexico.
Five members of the 2018 NWSL champion NC Courage, Abby Dahlkemper, Crystal Dunn, Merritt Mathias, Samantha Mewis and Jessica McDonald are included in the group going to Europe.
Goalkeepers: Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defenders: Abby Dahlkemper (NC Courage), Crystal Dunn (NC Courage), Emily Fox (UNC), Merritt Mathias (NC Courage), Becky Sauerbrunn (Utah Royals FC), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC)
Midfielders: Danielle Colaprico (Chicago Red Stars), Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (Washington Spirit), Allie Long (Seattle Reign FC), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)
Forwards: Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC), Jessica McDonald (NC Courage), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Utah Royals FC), Mallory Pugh (Washington Spirit), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC)