USWNT will play Russia twice in April

The United States women’s national team will once again play Russia, this time in two friendlies on April 6 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas and April 9 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.

These games will be some relatively quick follow-ups to SheBelieves, which takes place from March 1 - March 7. The WNT maybe looking to squeeze in friendlies before the NWSL season starts in earnest, at which point hopefully USSF will stick to FIFA dates and avoid interrupting the season as they’ve sometimes done in the past.

The last time the United States faced #23-ranked Russia, was a pair of friendlies in February 2014. They beat Russia 7-0 and 8-0. Now Russia is preparing for Euro 2017 and will hopefully put up some stiffer competition.

What will be most interesting to watch for from the WNT is who Jill Ellis rosters compared to SheBelieves. Ellis isn’t making terribly many waves with her current pool of 25, perhaps with the exception of 16-year-old Brianna Pinto. For the Russia friendlies, it would be nice to see Ellis continue to cap new players and even to experiment with her formation. Players like Kristen Edmonds, Christina Gibbons, and Taylor Smith could all stand to get a little more time with the national team, and hopefully Sarah Killion and Rose Lavelle will be back, as well as goalkeepers Jane Campbell and Adrianna Franch.

Schedule:

Game 1
Thursday, April 6, 8:30 PM ET
FS1

Game 2
Sunday, April 9, 2 PM ET
ESPN