Emma Hayes has named her first U.S. women's national team squad ahead of two June friendlies against the Korea Republic.
Hayes names first USWNT squadTwo players given first U.S. call-ups19 holdovers from SheBelieves CupWHAT HAPPENED
Hayes named a 23-player squad on Tuesday ahead of the USWNT's pair of friendlies against Korea Republic. The roster features a total of three uncapped players, including Sam Staab and Hal Herschfelt, both of whom are in their first USWNT camp. They're joined by Lily Yohannes, the young Ajax starlet who was called in for her second USNWT camp.
The squad is headlined, though, by many regulars, including Lindsey Horan, Alex Morgan and Jaedyn Shaw. Also included is Rose Lavelle, who missed out on the SheBeleives Cup due to injury. In total, 19 players return from that SheBelieves Cup-winning team.
In addition to the 23-player squad, Hayes has also called in Olivia Moultrie, Croix Bethune and Kate Wiesner as training players, with the latter two joining the USWNT group for the first time.
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GOALKEEPERS:Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage)
DEFENDERS:Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Sam Staab (Chicago Red Stars)
MIDFIELDERS:Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Lily Yohannes (Ajax)
FORWARDS:Crystal Dunn (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)
GettyWHAT HAYES SAID
“I’m really looking forward to getting started,” said Hayes. “The preparations have been well underway and I can’t wait to get into camp. We know it’s a short turnaround and we have a lot of work to do, but I’m fully focused on making sure that the performances are at the levels that are required to compete.
"I want to build on the work that Twila [Kilgore] has been implementing over the last six months. I expect complete commitment from everyone to absorb very quickly the things that I value as the most important so that we can compete this summer. I know they are a highly coachable group and I’m looking forward to challenging them.
"It’s time to go to work. I can’t wait to meet the fans and it’s really time to get behind the team as we get closer to putting a roster together for the Olympics.”
USA Today ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Among the notable absentees is Alyssa Naeher, the USWNT's incumbent starting goalkeeper. Naeher recently suffered an injury on the club level with the Chicago Red Stars, leading to her absence.
Additionally, the positional designations could offer some insight into how Hayes sees the squad. Crystal Dunn, long a left-back for the USWNT, is listed as a forward, while Emily Sonnett is listed among the defenders.
Alex Morgan and Tierna Davidson return, however, despite recent injuries at the club level.