Vlatko Andonovski announces 23-player roster for Nigeria friendlies
U.S. women’s national team head coach Vlatko Andonovski announced the 23-player roster set to face Nigeria in the two September friendlies, with Sophia Smith, Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan all headlining.
Andonovski didn’t stray much from the side that won last month’s Concacaf W Championship, bringing back most players in some capacity. Emily Sonnett stands as the only player not to return, after she picked up an injury.
“All the players on the roster performed well in Mexico at qualifying and have carried that form for their clubs, so we’ll continue the process of growing as a team with this group in what will be two challenging games against Nigeria,” said the head coach.
Crystal Dunn will also return to the national team stage, joining camp strictly for training after giving birth to her son Marcel on May 20.
The USWNT will host Nigeria on September 3 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, and then again three days later at Audi Field in Washington D.C.
Here’s the full squad:
Goalkeepers:
- Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit)
- Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage)
- Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defenders:
- Alana Cook (OL Reign)
- Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC)
- Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC)
- Sofia Huerta (OL Reign)
- Kelley O’Hara (Washington Spirit)
- Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC)
Midfielders:
- Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC)
- Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA)
- Taylor Kornieck (San Diego Wave FC)
- Rose Lavelle (OL Reign)
- Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
- Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit)
- Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)
Forwards:
- Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit)
- Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC)
- Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars)
- Midge Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
- Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign)
- Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
- Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC)