6. WOMEN: Ryan picks Algarve Cup squad
- by Soccer America , Feb 22, 2007
Shannon Boxx, a 2004 Olympic gold medalist, will return to international competition for the first time in 10 months. She had major knee surgery last July.
Four other regulars who did not travel to China in January for the Four Nations Tournament return to the U.S. team: forwards Kristine Lilly and Abby Wambach, midfielder Aly Wagner and defender Christie Rampone. Three '06 collegians were picked -- Heather O'Reilly, India Trotter and Stephanie Lopez. Two players will play under their newly adopted married names in the Algarve Cup -- Marci Jobson (formerly Miller) and Tina Ellertson (formerly Frimpong).
The only regular not headed to Portugal is Kate Markgraf, who captained the team in China and will recuperate from some minor injuries.
The Algarve Cup is the second major test of the year for the Americans, who are preparing for September's Women's World Cup in China. The USA will open at the Algarve Cup on March 7 against China, which it beat, 2-0, to win the Four Nations Tournament. The Americans will also face Finland on March 9 and finish first-round play against Sweden on March 12.
U.S. ROSTER (with 2006 team):
GOALKEEPERS: Briana Scurry (U.S. residency), Hope Solo (U.S. residency);
DEFENDERS: Lori Chalupny (U.S. residency), Tina Ellertson (U.S. residency), Stephanie Lopez (Univ. of Portland), Heather Mitts (U.S. residency), Christie Rampone (U.S. residency), India Trotter (Florida State Univ.), Cat Whitehill (U.S. residency);
MIDFIELDERS: Shannon Boxx (U.S. residency), Angela Hucles (U.S. residency), Carli Lloyd (U.S. residency), Marci Jobson (U.S. residency), Leslie Osborne (U.S. residency), Aly Wagner (U.S. residency);
FORWARDS: Natasha Kai (U.S. residency), Kristine Lilly (U.S. residency), Heather O'Reilly (Univ. of North Carolina), Lindsay Tarpley (U.S. residency), Abby Wambach (U.S. residency).
