The USWNT’s roster for the upcoming Australia friendlies has been announced, featuring 10 members of the 2020 Olympic team and 12 players with 10 caps or less.
The squad is set and ready to close out the year Down Under! 💪🇺🇸Roster info ≫ https://t.co/yXrC8VJEf3 pic.twitter.com/wSmkxw8Ov2— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) November 9, 2021
The squad is set and ready to close out the year Down Under! 💪🇺🇸Roster info ≫ https://t.co/yXrC8VJEf3 pic.twitter.com/wSmkxw8Ov2
Of the 22 players, 18 will be selected by head coach Vlatko Andonovski to suit up for each of the two matches.
“We still have a few players out with injuries, so this roster is a mixture of players with a lot of experience in World Cups and Olympics, some who have been a part of the program for a while but who are looking to make their mark in international soccer and a few who are getting a first chance with the National Team in an event like this,” said Andonovski in a release. “We’ve turned the page towards 2023 World Cup qualifying and rarely do we get the chance to test young players in environments filled with adversity, so we need to take advantage of what these two games will offer us. It’s exciting to get a chance to see all these players together in our environment and give them a chance to play against one of the best teams in the world.”
Midfielder Catarina Macario is the lone player on the roster who doesn’t play in the NWSL.
Meanwhile, goalkeepers Bella Bixby and Casey Murphy will get their shot at earning their first caps for the USWNT. For Bixby, it’s her first full WNT call-up.
Notably missing are Sam Mewis, Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath and Mal Pugh. Rapinoe, Pugh and Heath were all present for the team’s games against South Korea, while Mewis has been out with an injury. According to Andonovski, Pugh was among those offered a spot but who chose to opt out.
Full roster: