June 21, (THEWILL) – United States Head Coach, Vlatko Andonovski, revealed his squad for the upcoming Women’s World Cup on Wednesday, as his team aims to secure their third consecutive title.
Among the familiar faces are Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, who will be playing in their fourth World Cup tournament. The roster also includes several new players, blending a mix of youth and experience. The youngest member, 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson, joins the team alongside 37-year-old Rapinoe. The tournament, scheduled to commence on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand, will see a new generation of talent take the field.
In an intriguing selection, 23-year-old Naomi Girma, a key defender, who made an impact in 2022, found her spot in the squad. Additionally, 25-year-old midfielder, Savannah DeMelo, who has not yet made an appearance on the international stage, was a surprise inclusion. Up front, Andonovski has placed his trust in 22-year-old Sophia Smith, the National Women’s Soccer League MVP, as well as 21-year-old Trinity Rodman. The experienced 33-year-old Alex Morgan also features prominently in the forward line.
The team’s composition reflects the coach’s determination to strike a balance between established players and promising new talents. The US team, currently ranked at the top, will be fielding one of their least experienced squads in recent memory, with 14 out of the 23 players participating in their first World Cup. This marks an increase from 11 debutants in 2019 and seven in 2015.
The team has faced setbacks due to injuries, with notable absences such as leading scorer, Mallory Swanson, captain Becky Sauerbrunn, and midfielders, Catarina Macario and Sam Mewis. However, the squad includes Sam’s sister, Kristie Mewis, who at age 32, will be making her first appearance in a World Cup. Additionally, 30-year-old Lynn Williams, a teammate of Mewis at Gotham FC, has also earned her spot in the global tournament.
The full squad list includes:
Goalkeepers
Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit)
Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage)
Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defenders
Alana Cook (OL Reign)
Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC)
Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage)
Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC)
Sofia Huerta (OL Reign)
Kelley O’Hara (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
Emily Sonnett (OL Reign)
Midfielders
Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC)
Julie Ertz (Angel City FC)
Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyonnais, FRA)
Rose Lavelle (OL Reign)
Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit)
Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)
Forwards
Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC)
Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign)
Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC)
Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC)
Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
