SheBelieves training camp roster shows positions are still up for grabs

Vlatko Andonovski has named 26 players to a training camp to prepare for SheBelieves, which takes place in early March. The 26 will eventually be cut down to 23 for the tournament.

GOALKEEPERS (4): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash; 3), Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC; 3), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride; 25), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 61)

DEFENDERS (9): Abby Dahlkemper (North Carolina Courage; 58/0), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars; 25/1), Crystal Dunn (North Carolina Courage; 101/24), Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride; 107/1), Kelley O’Hara (Utah Royals FC; 129/2), Margaret Purce (Sky Blue FC; 1/0), Becky Sauerbrunn (Utah Royals FC; 174/0), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars; 31/0), Emily Sonnett (Orlando Pride; 44/0)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Jordan DiBiasi (Washington Spirit), Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars; 99/19), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC; 83/18), Rose Lavelle (Washington Spirit; 42/12), Samantha Mewis (North Carolina Courage; 64/18), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit; 16/0)

FORWARDS (7): Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC; 165;33), Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC; 291/122), Jessica McDonald (North Carolina Courage; 17/4), Christen Press (Utah Royals FC; 134/56), Mallory Pugh (Sky Blue FC; 62/18), Megan Rapinoe (Reign FC; 165/51), Lynn Williams (North Carolina Courage; 25/9)

All the players who helped the United States qualify for the Olympics are returning for this camp. The six additional players are: Jane Campbell, Tierna Davidson, Margaret Purce, Casey Short, Jordan DiBiasi, and Mallory Pugh. This is a good sign for Davidson, who has been recovering from an injury sustained just before the NWSL championship last October. Short and Pugh are both hovering right around the edges of the roster and could easily push their way back in with consistent performance. Campbell, Purce, and DiBiasi are more edge cases, and it’ll be particularly interesting to see how Purce comes along as a fullback. Being played at that position for the national team could have influenced her trade to Sky Blue FC, who may also play here there instead of at forward, if their drafting of forward Evelyne Viens is any indication.

But back to the national team - these six new-ish players are all continued evidence that Andonovski is not letting anyone relax, that he is serious about always looking beyond the established pool for more talent, and that he has it in the back of his mind to continue developing the young players who will be cycling in after the latest generation retires. Players who have recently done well - in particular Christen Press and Lynn Williams - have to be aware of the looming specter of Alex Morgan, who is expected to give birth in April and has said she will try to get back to match fitness in order to participate in the Olympics. Add in Mal Pugh, who has a chance to play her way back in, and that forward pool is looking mighty competitive.

SheBelieves schedule

March 5
USA vs England
7 PM ET
Exploria Stadium, Orlando, FL
ESPN2, TUDN

March 8
USA vs Spain
5 PM ET
Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ
ESPN, TUDN

March 11
USA vs Japan
8 PM ET
Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
ESPNews, TUDN