Jill Ellis narrowed the U.S. women’s nationwide soccer team roster to 20 people when it comes to CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament next month, three less than permitted the 2015 World Cup. The gamer pool, however, was smaller compared to a year ago because of four retirements, two injuries and two pregnancies.
The squad includes 13 people from last summer’s championship, including Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan and six other starters. Heavily favored to claim one of several region’s two berths in Brazil, the four-time gold medalists will open group play in Frisco, Tex., on Feb. 10. The definitive semifinals tend to be Feb. 19 in Houston.
Two veteran forwards wont compete: On Monday, Sydney Leroux launched she's expecting with her very first child, joining Amy Rodriguez, just who final thirty days stated she will have her second youngster this current year. While neither was expected to start, their absences influence frontline depth and contributed to Ellis’s selection of Stephanie McCaffrey, 22, and Mallory Pugh, just who transforms 18 this springtime. Pugh, just who committed to UCLA, scored in her own senior national staff debut Saturday, a 5-0 triumph over Ireland in hillcrest.
Other regulars out of contention: Midfielder Megan Rapinoe is sidelined for months with an ACL injury and defender Christie Rampone has gone out after undergoing minor leg surgery. Ahead Abby Wambach, midfielders Lauren getaway and Shannon Boxx, and defender Lori Chalupny retired following the success trip when you look at the fall.
Two active World Cup users weren't chosen: defender Whitney Engen and midfielder Heather O’Reilly.
The newcomers include defender Emily Sonnett, the NWSL’s very first overall draft pick from the University of Virginia; and assailant amazingly Dunn, whom, in her own second 12 months using Washington Spirit, had been the NWSL’s 2015 MVP. Both have featured because of the national staff lately.
“With just 17 area people permitted from the roster, and minimal time in between suits, i believe we've very flexible rosters previously for a qualifying competition, ” Ellis said. “Most of the industry people can handle playing at least two positions and, as CONCACAF tournaments typically present teams that may stay low and get figures behind the ball, it is essential to have players that can separately and collectively break groups down seriously to create opportunities.”
Teams that be eligible for the Olympics are limited by 18 players.
United States Of America ROSTER
Goalkeepers: Hope Solo (Seattle Reign), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars).
Defenders: Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Megan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns), Jaelene Hinkle (West New York Flash).
Terry Hongell
Spoon NCSU