US Women’s National Team Kicks Off New Chapter with Fresh Faces
As the dust settles on their Olympic gold medal victory, the United States Women’s National Team is gearing up for a new era of competition. Head coach Emma Hayes has announced a 26-player roster for the team’s upcoming training camp in Austin, Texas, featuring six uncapped players and the return of midfielder Ashley Sanchez and forward Alyssa Thompson.
New Blood Injects Fresh Energy
Defender Alyssa Malonson, forwards Yazmeen Ryan and Emma Sears, and midfielder Hal Hershfelt are among the newcomers earning their first call-ups to a senior USWNT camp. This influx of fresh talent brings a renewed sense of excitement and competition to the team.
Olympic Champions Return
Ashley Sanchez and Alyssa Thompson, both part of the 2023 World Cup squad, make their return to the USWNT after a brief absence. Their experience and skill will be invaluable as the team looks to build on their Olympic success.
Upcoming Matches
The USWNT will face off against Iceland on October 24 in Austin, Texas, and again on October 27 in Nashville, Tennessee. They’ll conclude the window with a match against Argentina on October 30 in Louisville, Kentucky. These games will provide a valuable opportunity for the team to fine-tune their strategy and test their mettle against top-notch opponents.
Notable Absences
Forward Trinity Rodman will miss the camp due to injury, while attacking midfielder Croix Bethune is recovering from a torn meniscus. Defender Tierna Davidson is also sidelined with an injury, and Crystal Dunn will not participate due to personal commitments.
Victory Tour Matches
The upcoming matches are considered victory tour matches, with each player eligible to earn up to $18,000 per game. This marks the last home games of the year for the USWNT, who will wrap up 2024 with a trip to Wembley Stadium in London to face England on November 30, followed by a visit to the Netherlands on December 3.
Coach Hayes’ Vision
“Our focus is forward, our process is what matters, and we want to keep chasing new heights,” Hayes emphasized. “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.”
Roster Breakdown
The 26-player roster features a mix of seasoned veterans and newcomers, with 14 players boasting fewer than 20 caps. Goalkeepers Jane Campbell, Casey Murphy, and Alyssa Naeher will provide a strong foundation, while defenders Emily Fox, Eva Gaetino, and Naomi Girma will look to shut down opponents. Midfielders Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, and Lindsey Horan will drive the team’s attack, supported by forwards Yazmeen Ryan, Emma Sears, and Sophia Smith.
The USWNT is poised to enter a new era of dominance, and this training camp marks the first step in their journey towards continued success.
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