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Mia Fishel remains off USWNT roster but on Vlatko Andonovski’s radar

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UCLA forward Mia Fishel fell to fifth in Saturday's college draft. (Andy Bao/Getty Images)

Mia Fishel was left off the U.S. women’s national team roster once again as the squad prepares for its final friendlies of the year against Germany in November.

During his press conference Monday, USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski said the team is following Fishel closely as she plays in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil.

He previously has said the team is “monitoring her form” and that Fishel is on the USWNT depth chart. But exactly where she stands remains unknown.

“I had a conversation with Mia [Fishel], and she is someone we’ve followed, certainly someone we keep an eye on,” he said Monday. “We’re happy for her success down there [in Mexico]. She did a really good job.”

Fishel was selected fifth overall in the 2022 NWSL draft by the Orlando Pride, but she elected to sign with Mexican club Tigres Femenil instead. She won the Golden Boot in her rookie season with 17 goals.

The 21-year-old also scored the first of four goals for her team in the Tigres’ quarterfinal win Monday over Toluca Femenil.

Still, the goal-scoring prowess she displayed in Liga MX was not enough to earn her a national team call-up.

The forward group includes 17-year-old high schooler Alyssa Thompson, who Andonovski said “is here to stay,” as well as NWSL players Ashley Hatch, Trinity Rodman, Alex Morgan, Mallory Pugh, Sophia Smith and Megan Rapinoe.

“At the same time, [Mia] understands the competition that is on the national team and the players she is competing against,” Andonovski said. “She’s patiently waiting for her opportunity. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see her in a future camp.”