The U.S. women’s national team announced its roster for October friendlies against Colombia, with star forward Sophia Smith making her return from an MCL sprain.
Also back is defender Becky Sauerbrunn, who missed the 2023 World Cup with a foot injury. And 18-year-old midfielder Olivia Moultrie received her first call-up to the senior national team.
Yet as the international break falls in the middle of the NWSL playoffs, several stars — including Smith, Sauerbrunn and Moultrie — likely will see limited minutes against 2023 World Cup darling Colombia. Of the 27 players on the roster, 17 are on playoff teams.
The Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave already are into the NWSL semifinals on Nov. 5. And USWNT stars from other teams, including Gotham FC’s Lynn Williams and Angel City FC’s Alyssa Thompson, could have their minutes determined by the quarterfinal results ahead of the friendlies.
The USWNT will host Colombia for two matches, on Thursday, Oct. 26, in Sandy, Utah, and on Sunday, Oct. 29, in San Diego.
These will be the first matches since the retirements of Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz. This also is likely the last training camp with interim head coach Twila Kilgore at the helm, with a target deadline of December for the new hire.
Both Jaedyn Shaw and Mia Fishel are back on the roster. In September, Shaw received her first call-up but did not see game action, while Fishel earned her first cap in her second career camp. Angel City FC defender M.A. Vignola also is back on the squad after receiving her first call-up in September as an injury replacement.
Several big names remain sidelined with injuries, including midfielders Catarina Macario and Rose Lavelle.
27 strong. 💪Fall footy awaits. ⚽️Full Roster Details » https://t.co/lFEFV20Lyq https://t.co/MYhDkCCvz7 pic.twitter.com/hKRMeSvkRf— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 18, 2023
27 strong. 💪Fall footy awaits. ⚽️Full Roster Details » https://t.co/lFEFV20Lyq https://t.co/MYhDkCCvz7 pic.twitter.com/hKRMeSvkRf