USWNT Announces Roster for Upcoming Matches
In a significant announcement for the United States women’s national soccer team (USWNT), midfielders Rose Lavelle and Croix Bethune are set to make their comeback in 2025 during upcoming matches against Ireland and Canada. Both athletes, who proudly earned Olympic gold medals in 2024, are part of the 25-player roster unveiled by head coach Emma Hayes on Wednesday. This latest roster not only highlights their return but also features four players receiving their first-ever call-ups to the national team, indicating Hayes’ commitment to broadening the talent pool available to the team.
Significance of Upcoming Matches
Hayes emphasized the importance of these matches in a statement, expressing,
“Our objectives during this three-game window are not only to enhance our playing strategy but also to broaden our player roster. We are keen on ensuring our team gains exposure in international scenarios. These fixtures present formidable challenges, and while winning remains a priority, our readiness for future competitions is crucial.”
Scheduled to face Ireland on June 26 in the Denver area, followed by another match in Lavelle’s hometown, Cincinnati, on June 29, the USWNT will culminate the international series against Canada in Washington, D.C., on July 2.
Player Updates and Strategies
Among those called up, Naomi Girma stands out as the only player not currently competing in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). During this international window, Hayes has allowed a break for her athletes based in Europe, recognizing the vital need for rest and recovery ahead of the World Cup set for 2025, stating to ESPN,
“This period marks the only opportunity for our European players to take a breather before the World Cup, and their wellbeing is a priority.”
Bethune, returning to the USWNT for the first time since the Olympics, became a breakout star in 2024, clinching the NWSL Rookie of the Year title and tying the single-season assists record. Unfortunately, her season faced a setback after she sustained a meniscus injury during a ceremonial event last August, but she has since been regaining her form with the Washington Spirit, having started in their last four matches.
Lavelle, known for scoring a pivotal goal in the 2019 World Cup final, is making her return following ankle surgery post-2024. She only resumed competitive play with NJ/NY Gotham FC in early June, playing limited minutes in her team’s last contests. Coach Hayes expressed enthusiasm about Lavelle’s comeback, stating,
“Her experience is greatly missed, and we are excited to see her back.”
New Faces and Future Goals
The roster also introduces first-time USWNT members: Jordyn Bugg from Seattle Reign, Lilly Reale from NJ/NY Gotham FC, Izzy Rodriguez from Kansas City Current, and Sam Meza from Seattle Reign, all of whom have previously participated in youth national teams and competitions.
Overall, since taking on her role over a year ago, Hayes has provided 27 players their inaugural call-ups to the USWNT, reflecting her strategy of developing a younger, more diverse player base. This trend aligns with her view of identifying a core group for the 2027 World Cup. In discussions with ESPN, she highlighted her evolving understanding of the player landscape, asserting her plans to refine the roster ahead of October’s next camp.
“Consistency will be crucial, and I will be monitoring performances closely. Those who are called up must always strive for improvement, as we recognize the quality of athletes worldwide,”
Hayes added.
Current Squad Overview
The current squad is comprised of athletes at various experience levels, culminating in an assembly of talent aimed at solidifying the foundations for future competitions.
Roster Breakdown
Goalkeepers: Angelina Anderson (Angel City FC; 0 caps), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 0 caps), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 3 caps)
Defenders: Kerry Abello (Orlando Pride; 1/0), Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; 0/0), Naomi Girma (Chelsea, ENG; 46/2), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; 0/0), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit; 6/0), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 4/0), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current; 0/0), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 4/0), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC; 108/2), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 3/0)
Midfielders: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit; 3/0), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 35/2), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 3/0), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 110/24), Sam Meza (Seattle Reign FC; 0/0), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 7/2)
Forwards: Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign FC; 80/24), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current; 6/1), Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash; 9/0), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville; 5/1), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals; 9/4), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC; 19/1)
