USWNT squad named ahead of Colombia friendlies

Temporary USWNT (United States Women’s National Team) coach Twila Kilgore has named a 27-player squad ahead of the two forthcoming October friendly matches against Colombia.

The US will face Las Cafeteras on 26 October at America First Field in Sandy (Utah) with a 9 p.m. ET start before squaring up again on 29 October at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego with a 5:30 p.m. ET kick-off.

Twenty-four of the players who were in camp for the September friendlies (South Africa double header) return for the October matches with Becky Sauerbrunn and forward Sophia Smith back in the squad after overcoming troublesome injuries.

Two uncapped players are drafted in Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave) and midfielder Olivia Moultrie from Portland Thorns FC. This is the first senior call-up for Moultrie and the second for Shaw, who trained with the USA during the September friendlies but did not see game action.

“I was very impressed and pleased with the focus, energy and dedication of the players to prepare for the two games against South Africa in September and I’m expecting the same for this camp, even if we’ll only have a few training days together,” said Kilgore. “Once again, this roster is a mix of the players from the World Cup team who are fit to play international minutes, players trying to establish themselves in the environment and players who are taking a next step in their growth through this experience with the senior National Team. All of these players are excited for the future and for these two tough tests against Colombia, which is a team we might see in the Olympics next year.”

Only two of the 27 play overseas in Mia Fishel (Chelsea, England) and Lindsey Horan who plays in France with Lyon. The rest play for NWSL clubs.

USWNT squad (October friendly games)

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), Casey Krueger (Chicago Red Star), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign), M.A. Vignola (Angel City FC)

Midfielders: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)

Strikers: Mia Fishel (Chelsea FC), Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC), Midge Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC)