Fresh Faces Join US Women’s Team for Year-End Matches

In December, the U.S. women’s national team will play two exhibition matches against China, giving younger and less experienced players a chance to shine.

Notably absent from the roster will be veterans Alex Morgan, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alyssa Naeher, and Crystal Dunn.

One of the new additions to the team is Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie, who has yet to play in a match.

The roster was chosen with input from U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker and Emma Hayes, the new head coach who will join the team in May after finishing out the season with Chelsea.

Interim head coach Angela Kilgore highlighted the importance of evaluating and bringing along players in the right ways to give the team the best chance for success.

Also returning to the team is veteran defender Abby Dahlkemper, who had back surgery in October 2022.

The roster by position with club affiliation

Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage)

Defenders: Alana Cook (OL Reign), Abby Dahlkemper (San Diego Wave), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars), Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Casey Krueger (Chicago Red Stars), M.A. Vignola (Angel City)

Midfielders: Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Jenna Nighswonger (Gotham), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign)

Forwards: Mia Fishel (Chelsea), Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Midge Purce (Gotham), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City), Lynn Williams (Gotham FC)

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer