Christie Rampone ruled out of USWNT camp

Christie Rampone has withdrawn from the upcoming USWNT camp prior to their friendlies against Japan on June 2 and June 5.

Rampone, who is currently playing with Sky Blue FC in the NWSL, went through knee surgery last year and rehabbed in time to join her club, but does not feel she is ready for a WNT camp.

"I really appreciate Jill inviting me in, but at this time, I don't feel one hundred percent healthy enough to train and compete at that level," said Rampone via USSF press release. "It's not the right choice for myself or the team to put myself in that environment."

Rampone won't be replaced on the roster, which brings down total players called in from 25 to 24.

On the one hand, it seemed as though Rampone was being called in to perhaps get a farewell game against a respected opponent like Japan. Suggestions that she was being called in for serious evaluation for the Rio Olympic roster should be met with skepticism, as Rampone would be 41 at the time and already has four Olympic medals, one silver and three gold, while the starting center back pairing has been cemented between Becky Sauerbrunn and Julie Johnston, with Whitney Engen and Emily Sonnett for depth.

On the other hand, mad respect to Rampone for being honest with herself and US Soccer about the reality of her physical condition and not taking up time and resources in camp when she knows she's not able to perform at that level at the moment. Once a captain, always a captain.