The latest USWNT roster for two December friendlies vs. China had several big players not receive call ups including the likes of Alex Morgan, Crystal Dunn, Alyssa Naeher and Becky Sauerbrunn.
Instead, interim head coach Twila Kilgore has chosen a litany of fresh faces with a mix of familiar names. The move from U.S. Soccer was done to give newer players a chance to enter the player pool.
The plan to not include several of the big names, including 10 USWNT players that were on the 2023 World Cup roster, is partly courtesy of incoming head coach Emma Hayes as preparation for the 2024 Olympics are well under way.
"We value these players who have recently been in camps or played in the World Cup and were not chosen for this roster, and they are of course still part of our pool, but we know what they bring on and off the field," Kilgore continued. "At the same time, we also need to continue to evaluate and bring along players in the right ways to give the team the best chance for success."
The decision from Hayes — who will join the team in May — and U.S. Soccer to give new names a shot is precisely what many fans have been asking for.
Morgan is prime example of how she’s undoubtedly one of the biggest stars in USWNT history but hasn’t been living up to expectations as of late. Her goal drought with the national team is now at 11 games.
Latest USWNT roster
26 players for the final camp of '23 https://t.co/IdjIki403Z pic.twitter.com/MwtBEfJOnJ
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) November 20, 2023
December’s roster features a blend of brand-new faces and some household names like Lindsey Horan, Sophia Smith, Rose Lavelle, Lynn Williams, Trinity Rodman and Naomi Girma.
Two players, Korbin Albert of PSG and Jenna Nighswonger of Gotham FC, received their first-ever callups. Of the 23 players on the latest USWNT roster there are 11 who have less than 10 career appearances for the national team.
Two other exciting inclusions are veteran defenders Tierna Davidson and Abby Dahlkemper who have been out due to injury.
The two friendlies vs. China will be on Saturday, Dec. 2 at DRV PNK Stadium in Miami, Florida, and Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
