Andonovski names USWNT roster for European friendlies

Vlatko Andonovski has announced the 23 US women’s national team players who will travel to Europe for a pair of away friendlies against Sweden, and then France.

GOALKEEPERS (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash; 5), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage; 0), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 67)

DEFENDERS (8): Alana Cook (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 2/0), Abby Dahlkemper (Manchester City, ENG; 65/0), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars; 28/1), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC; 109/24), Kelley O’Hara (Washington Spirit; 134/2), Margaret Purce (Sky Blue FC; 6/1), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC; 182/0), Emily Sonnett (Washington Spirit; 51/0)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars; 108/20), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC; 91/20), Rose Lavelle (Manchester City, ENG; 51/14), Catarina Macario (Olympique Lyonnais, FRA; 3/1), Kristie Mewis (Houston Dash; 21/4), Samantha Mewis (Manchester City, ENG; 70/21)

FORWARDS (6): Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC; 299/124), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride; 173/108), Christen Press (Manchester United, ENG; 142/60), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign; 173/57), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC; 3/0), Lynn Williams (North Carolina Courage; 33/10)

Returning to the fold is Sam Mewis, who was rehabbing an injury from January camp that required her replacement with Jaelin Howell for SheBelieves Cup. Unfortunately for Howell, Mewis’ return signals Howell’s departure, for now.

Also left out once again is Casey Krueger, who stepped in on short notice during SheBelieves to replace Alana Cook. Krueger being left out stings somewhat considering she’s probably the more consistent option over Sonnett. Cook herself is back, released by Paris Saint-Germain this time now that the USWNT is coming to her, joining several other USWNT players already in Europe. However, Tobin Heath is still unavailable due to injury and won’t be joining Manchester United teammate Christen Press on the roster.

And of course fans will be quick to spot that longtime #2 Ashlyn Harris is still not on the roster, with Andonovski instead carrying Jane Campbell and Casey Murphy. Campbell has been in and out of development as a possible #3 and eventual successor to the #1 role, although Murphy has been quietly building a case for herself with club play, and who knows what the field will look like once AD Franch finally returns from injury.

Bubble players to watch from this roster include Cook, Midge Purce, Kristie Mewis, and Sophia Smith, with Mewis perhaps fighting the hardest for a role in a midfield brimming with options.

USA vs Sweden
April 10, 1 PM ET
FOX

USA vs France
April 13, 3 PM ET
ESPN2