USWNT: Five regulars return for Romania series
- by Paul Kennedy @pkedit, Oct 27, 2016
From the team that went to the Rio Olympics, all but Carli Lloyd, who is getting married, Hope Solo, who is suspended, and Whitney Engen, who was released, will be with the team. The only newcomer is the Orlando Pride's Kristen Edmonds.
The USA will face Romania on Nov. 10 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, Calif. (7 p.m. PT on ESPN2) and Nov. 13 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. (6:30 p.m. PT on FS1).
Five of the 11 uncapped players named to the USA's roster for the matches against Switzerland return. Forwards Lynn Williams and Kealia Ohai both scored their first goals within a minute of stepping on the field. Defender Casey Short and midfielder Andi Sullivan both started both games against the Swiss. Defender Abby Dahlkemper also was recalled.
Goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, who has been in with the senior team for several camps over the last few years, Edmonds, who led the Orlando Pride with six goal, are the only uncapped players on the team. Western New York Flash defender Jaelene Hinkle, who has earned eight caps over the past two years, also rejoins the team.
"Our last training camp and games with Switzerland were extremely positive in regards to giving new players a chance to perform, continuing the process of deepening the player pool and fostering competition within the squad," said Ellis. "With this dynamic mix of players, we are looking forward to the environment and to finishing off the year on a winning note."
U.S. Roster:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
DEFENDERS (8): Abby Dahlkemper (Western New York Flash), Jaelene Hinkle (Western New York Flash), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Kelley O'Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Kristen Edmonds (Orlando Pride), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Samantha Mewis (Western New York Flash), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign), Andi Sullivan (Stanford)
FORWARDS (5): Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Kealia Ohai (Houston Dash), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Lynn Williams (Western New York Flash)
