The United States ladies’s nationwide crew can be with out a few high-profile gamers for its upcoming journey to New Zealand, the place it’ll play two matches in opposition to the Football Ferns in preparation for the 2023 World Cup.
Forwards Sophia Smith (foot) and Megan Rapinoe (ankle) are each nursing accidents and won’t make the journey.
The excellent news is that the 24-player roster will embrace defender Emily Sonnett and ahead Lynn Williams, each of whom return to the group after recovering from long-term accidents. Sonnet final performed for the USWNT within the semifinal of the CONCACAF W Championship again in July, the place she scored her first worldwide purpose in opposition to Costa Rica. She’s been recovering from a foot harm, whereas Williams had hamstring surgical procedure that saved her out of all the 2022 NWSL season. She final performed for the U.S. within the 2022 SheBelieves Cup.
The USWNT has by no means performed a sport in New Zealand, regardless of enjoying in opposition to the nation 19 occasions. This journey will present helpful expertise for the squad, which performs all three of its World Cup group stage matches in New Zealand.
And whereas it is summer season there now, it is going to be winter by the point the event rolls round in July. This will give the U.S. an opportunity to develop into accustomed to stadiums they’re going to play in later this yr. The first pleasant takes place Jan. 17 at Sky Stadium in Wellington and the second is on Jan. 20 at Eden Park in Auckland. Both matches can be accessible on HBO Max.
“We’ve been thinking about and planning for the World Cup for a long time, but when the calendar turns to the World Cup year, for sure it brings some renewed focus and energy as the tournament starts in less than 200 days,” coach Vlatko Andonovski mentioned in an announcement.
“To get to bring the team to New Zealand in January and play in our World Cup venues has so many benefits, so we are going to make sure we maximize our time together, make this trip as productive as possible, and enjoy a unique experience as many of our players have never been to New Zealand before.”
The 2023 World Cup runs from July 20 via Aug. 20 and can be held throughout 9 cities in Australia and New Zealand. The U.S. was drawn into Group E with Vietnam, the Netherlands, and the winner of a Cameroon-Thailand-Portugal playoff that can be decided subsequent month.
The Americans play all three group video games in New Zealand, with its first in opposition to Vietnam at Eden Park on July 22. It faces the Netherlands on July 27 after which the playoff-winner on Aug. 1.
U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position (Club; Caps/Goals) – January BioSteel Training Camp NZL
GOALKEEPERS (3): Adrianna Franch (Kansas City Current; 10), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage; 11), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 86)
DEFENDERS (8): Alana Cook (OL Reign; 19/0), Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC; 22/0), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC; 126/24), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC; 10/0), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign; 25/0), Hailie Mace (Kansas City Current; 8/0), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC; 211/0), Emily Sonnett (Washington Spirit; 69/1)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 4/0), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA; 122/26), Taylor Kornieck (San Diego Wave FC; 7/1), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign; 84/22), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 46/7), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit; 17/3), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit; 37/3)
FORWARDS (6): Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit; 14/4), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC; 200/119), Midge Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 20/4), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 10/2), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars; 82/25), Lynn Williams (Kansas City Current; 47/14)
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Laken Litman covers faculty soccer, faculty basketball and soccer for FOX Sports. She beforehand wrote for Sports Illustrated, USA Today and The Indianapolis Star. She is the writer of “Strong Like a Woman,” printed in spring 2022 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Title IX. Follow her on Twitter @LakenLitman.
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