USWNT: No Klingenberg, no A-Rod for SheBelieves Cup
- by Paul Kennedy @pkedit, Feb 24, 2017
SheBelieves Cup:
March 1 in Chester, Pa.
England vs. France (4 pm) | USA vs. Germany (7 pm on FS1)
March 4 in Harrison, N.J.
France vs. Germany (2:15 pm) | USA vs. England (5 pm on FOX)
March 7 in Washington, D.C.
Germany vs. England (4 pm) | USA vs. France (7 pm on FS1)
All times ET.
Klingenberg has not played since October after suffering a back injury. Rodriguez returned in January after missing 2016 when she gave birth to her second son. Their exclusion leaves only 11 players from the 2015 Women's World Cup team in the SheBelieves Cup team.
Ellis spoke with USSoccer.com about the three moves:
"For Meghan, the message was ‘you’re not quite ready’. She’s been battling an injury, she’s been out from all physical activity for a long time and I certainly wanted to bring her in and have a look at her and see where she’s at, but Meghan and I both understand that right now she’s not ready to jump into that intense 90-minute environment. She’s working her way back and the Thorns will be a great platform where she can build herself back up.
"With Amy, again, making sure we give these players an evaluation is important. I think A-Rod in truth, is further ahead of where I thought she’d be after a year off. Not only is Amy playing her way back, but she is also processing a lot of new information from the end of the World Cup until now. The messaging was similar, keep progressing and return to your club environment and be ready to get after it in your pre-season.
"What I said to Sarah was that I was specifically looking at players that play her position, and digging a little deeper into that process meant taking another look at her. She is definitely someone we will continue to monitor. Sharpening up her speed of play is going to be a focus for her, but for sure, being in this environment has helped her understand the demands and pace of the international level."
Ellis chose the roster after a short training camp in Orlando, Florida.
"We've now had two camps together this year," she said, "and I've seen some good things across the board. Now
we're looking to translate that into three games against fantastic opponents. We will be greatly tested and these are the moments where you learn the most about yourself which is exactly what we need
right now."
U.S. Roster:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa
Naeher (Chicago Red Stars).
DEFENDERS (6): Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride), Kelley O'Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Casey Short
(Chicago Red Stars), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns).
MIDFIELDERS (8): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns), Rose Lavelle (Boston
Breakers), Carli Lloyd (Manchester City), Allie Long (Portland Thorns), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage), Brianna Pinto (CASL).
FORWARDS (6): Crystal Dunn (Chelsea Ladies), Jessica McDonald
(NC Courage), Alex Morgan (Lyon), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (UCLA), Lynn Williams (NC Courage).
I would have preferred the USWNT had played at the "traditional" Algarve Cup.
More variety and competition, BUT not nearly the same money...I get it. It is good to have more and young players, good for Jill to give them the opportunity. Now it's time to be equally fair with Hope Solo and give her a chance.
The level of competition is in this tournament is better than the Algarve Cup - 4 of the top 5 teams in the world.
Finally some good news from Jill that Rapinoe won't be given the opportunity to embarrass her country again. The game has passed her by, lot's of new younger, faster, and more talented women out there will finally get the chance to honorably represent their country! On the other hand, what's with Hope not being named? I simply cannot understand why they wouldn't want her there. She's the best women's goalkeeper in the country, maybe the world.
Did you know that Hope has been recovering from shoulder surgery?
I think!? Hope was still (unfairly) under probation/fired when the camp started. As such while I disagree with the unfair over the top punishment.
I understand why she is not in this tournament. BUT should be in the next camp.
"won't be given the opportunity to embarrass her country again"
I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that this was just a poor choice of words on your part. No player, regardless of where they are in their career, "embarrasses" the country unless they don't show the proper respect for that opportunity. You cannot say that about Rapinoe.
And if you DID mean to say that - all I can say is that you too will be 'a step slow' some day. Hope you aren't an embarrassment to someone.
Brent. I am a Vietnam veteran and fought for the right for folks to express their opinion. HOWEVER, What she does is look for reporters and the tv cameras. Most of us also have an opinion, but we don't go looking for tv or reporters to express it. She's a publicity hound, and needs to step aside gracefully.
This is a very very strong team with little or no weakness. Dunn and Press may finally get their starts and develop into more potent strikers. I am not too convince about Pugh.. sometimes I think this country rush to promote the young only to be disappointed hopefully I am wrong.. Regarding Hope she needs to get back on the field for her club and play it's not where you from it's where you at and right now she is recovering from shoulder surgery and has not play a game in over 6 months.. As far as Rapinoe I am proud of her she has done more for the US than any of us will..Stop disrespecting our heros we seems to give Messi and Ronaldo more respect in the US than our women soccer players who are world Champions and Messi and Ronaldo aren't..
A-Rod, having to process a lot of new information? I had no idea that our increased sophistication has precluded an experienced veteran of the game. Will a journeyman now have to become an apprentice? I'm fearful that I wil no longer be able to grasp what I see.
SheBelieves Cup...really? Who brainstormed this name?
3 UVA Wahoos! USA! USA! USA!