SANTA MONICA — They’re back at it again, and the world is waiting to watch. The Tournament of Nations begins next week, running from July 26 to Aug. 2, and Jill Ellis has chosen her warriors.
Jill Ellis called up a veteran roster for next weeks games and kicked off training with the 25-player squad. The entire roster aside from three players have appeared on the USWNT roster in 2018. goalkeeper Adrianna French, forward Kealia Ohai and defender Jaelene Hinkle. Joining Hinkle on the backline, defenders Casey Short and Emily Sonnett return from the injured list.
Alyssa Naeher and Ashlyn Harris return to the goalkeeper position. Their backline will include Abby Dahlkember, Tierna Davidson — a sophomore at stanford, Merritt Mathias and Becky Sauerbrunn.
The team will be led by midfielders Julie Ertz, Carli Lloyd and Lindsey Horan and forwards Tobin Heath, Alex Morgan, Christen Press and Megan Rapinoe. Also on the midfield roster is Moe Brian, Rose Lavelle, Samantha Mewis, Allie Long and McCall Zerboni. On the attacking side, Crystal Dunn and Amy Rodriguez join the star forward line up.
The majority of players come from the North Carolina Courage, who currently sit at the top of the league. The team received six call ups on the 25-player roster while Portland and Chicago received four. Utah Royals acquired three while the rest were dispersed from the rest of the teams in the league.
The United States will face Japan on Thursday, July 26, at 7 p.m. and will play at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan.
