USWNT World Cup Roster Announced
USWNT celebrate following goal during April friendlies vs Ireland. (Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
The 23 player roster for the USWNT was announced Wednesday morning with a star-studded video congratulating each player, including notables like USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner and music superstar Taylor Swift:
Goalkeepers:
Alyssa Naeher***, Casey Murphy*, Aubrey Kingsbury*
Defenders:
Alana Cook,* Crystal Dunn**, Emily Fox*, Naomi Girma*, Sofia Huerta*, Kelley OβHara****, Emily Sonnett**
Midfielders:
Savannah DeMelo*, Julie Ertz***, Lindsey Horan**, Rose Lavelle**, Kristie Mewis*, Ashley Sanchez*, Andi Sullivan*
Forwards:
Alex Morgan****, Megan Rapinoe****, Trinity Rodman*, Sophia Smith, Alyssa Thomson*, Lynn Williams*
*first world cup ** second World Cup *** third World Cup ****fourth World Cup
Sofia Huerta during April friendly versus Ireland. Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images
The biggest two biggest surprises on this roster are Savannah DeMelo and Alyssa Thompson. DeMelo has received a couple of call-ups, but remains uncapped, meaning sheβs never taken the field for the senior team. Alyssa Thompson is 18 years old, a rookie in the NWSL, and fresh out of high school. Sheβs proven herself worthy of a spot on this team.
Becky Sauerbrunn is going to be the toughest loss for this team. Sauerbrunn announced on Friday that she would be missing the World Cup due to a lingering foot injury. Itβs a heartbreaking loss for the team. Sheβs been their long-time captain, so her leadership will surely be missed. The defense will surely look different without her on the pitch.
The biggest surprise not on the roster is Ashley Hatch. She has been dominating the front-line for the Washington Spirit this season, so it is surprising to not see her there. It seems to have come down to her or Alyssa Thompson, and head coach Vlatko Andonovski went for the young talent.
Defenders Casey Krueger and Tierna Davidson were also left off this roster. These arenβt as surprising, as both players are coming off missing the entire 2022 season. However, they certainly are talented enough to have made a difference.
The USA is turning to young talent. 14 of the players have never been to a World Cup, while 12 are making their first major tournament appearance. Lynn Williams and Kristie Mewis played in the 2020 Olympics, but have not played in a World Cup.
Overall, this roster is solid, and Team USA is coping as best as they can with the injuries. There are plenty of healthy players who could have made this team, and played well. That being said, coming from a country as big as the United States is, there will always be players who are good enough, but are left off the roster.
The USWNT kick off their World Cup tournament on Friday, July 21st at 9:00 p.m. EDT, against Vietnam.
Full announcement video for the roster is linked below.
