Forward Trinity Rodman has returned to the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team for her first game since April after being sidelined with a back injury.
U.S. coach Emma Hayes on Wednesday announced the 26-man roster for the team’s three games this month, against Portugal and New Zealand.
They include players from European-based teams such as Katarina Macario, Emily Fox and Lindsay Heaps, who missed out on the final international spot to recover from a long club season abroad.
Hayes said in a conference call with reporters that the team is preparing for next year’s World Cup.
The United States will play Portugal on Oct. 23 in Chester, Pennsylvania, and Oct. 26 in East Hartford, Conn. The United States will play New Zealand on October 29th in Kansas City, Missouri.
Rodman’s only game for the national team this year was a 2-0 win over Brazil in April. She scored in the game, her first game back after her team won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Rodman then returned to her club team, the Washington Spirit, which qualified for the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs.
“I think when she came in in April, she really felt she was in a good place, but the reality was she had too much adrenaline to get through that match,” Hayes said. “But then the reality hit home that she had some unresolved issues on her back and we said we need to work together with the club and the national team to take the time and get things right in the long-term direction. And I think the cooperation between the club and the national team has gotten her to where she is now.”
Midfielder Jaidyn Shaw also returns to the first team after spending the last two national team training camps with the U-23 group.
Chelsea defender Naomi Dilma is not included in the squad as she recovers from a calf injury. Lin Biendro, who plays for the Seattle Reign, is suffering from a knee injury.
Crystal Dunn, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, was also absent. Hayes said Dunn was not getting enough playing time at PSG.
“She knows she needs to play soccer regularly and is trying to do so, but she has no control over selection at club level,” Hayes said. “That’s something I hope changes at PSG, because I still believe that Cristal has a future with the national team, not only because of her experience, but also because of her qualities.”
San Diego Wave defender Kennedy Wesley has been called up to the first team for the first time.
Coach Hayes has named 26 players, but only 23 will be on the game day roster.
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Name list:
Goalkeepers: Claudia Dickie (Seattle Reign), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Fallon Tallis-Joyce (Manchester United)
Defenders: Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Lily Leal (Gotham), Tara McCune (Washington Spirit), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave)
Midfielders: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Lindsey Heaps (Lyon), Claire Hatton (Kansas City Current), Rose Lovell (Gotham), Sam Meza (Seattle Reign), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Jadyn Shaw (Gotham), Lily Johannes (Lyon)
Forwards: Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Katarina Macario (Chelsea), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Allie Sentner (Kansas City Current), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea)
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
