Ellis names USWNT roster for World Cup 2019 qualifying

Jill Ellis has named the 20-player roster she will take to Concacaf World Cup qualifiers, running from October 4 - 17. Roster by position below:

GOALKEEPERS (2): Ashlyn Harris, Alyssa Naeher

DEFENDERS (7): Abby Dahlkemper, Crystal Dunn, Hailie Mace, Kelley O’Hara, Becky Sauerbrunn, Casey Short, Emily Sonnett

MIDFIELDERS (5): Morgan Brian, Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Samantha Mewis

FORWARDS (6): Tobin Heath, Carli Lloyd, Alex Morgan, Christen Press, Mallory Pugh, Megan Rapinoe

Ellis had to name a 35-player preliminary roster to submit to Concacaf. Two players from that roster were subsequently injured: McCall Zerboni, with a fractured elbow, and Tierna Davidson with a fractured ankle. The other players who did not make the final cut were Adrianna Franch, Jane Campbell, Jaelene Hinkle, Merritt Mathias, Allie Long, Andi Sullivan, Danielle Colaprico, Savannah McCaskill, Sofia Huerta, Amy Rodriguez, Jessica McDonald, Kealia Ohai, and Lynn Williams.

On the one hand, it would have been great to see players like Franch, Williams, or Huerta make the cut for a tournament that shouldn’t pose too many problems. They’ve all played massive roles for their clubs this season and would add to the team’s depth. On the other hand, where a qualifying berth at the World Cup is at stake, perhaps it’s best to take zero risks.

QUALIFYING SCHEDULE

Group Stage - all USA games will be played at Sahlen’s Stadium in Cary, North Carolina

USA vs Mexico
Thursday, October 4
7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT
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USA vs Panama
Sunday, October 7
5 PM ET / 2 PM PT
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USA vs Trinidad & Tobago
Wednesday, October 10
7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT
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Knockout - all games will be played at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas

Semifinals
Sunday, October 14
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Finals
Wednesday, October 17
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