USWNT head coach Emma Hayes continues to provide opportunities for new talent. She has announced a 24-player roster for the upcoming matches against China and Jamaica. Several new faces are expected in the training camp, reflecting the coaching staff`s ongoing player pool evaluations in preparation for the 2027 FIFA Women`s World Cup.
The USWNT`s international window begins with a match against China on May 31, followed by a game against Jamaica on June 3, concluding the two-match series.
Several notable NWSL players have the opportunity to make their senior national team debut. Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello and Kansas City Current midfielder Lo`eau LaBonta have both received their first USWNT call-ups. They are the 22nd and 23rd players to earn a first call-up under coach Hayes.
“She is deserving of this call-up due to her consistent performance,” Hayes stated during a press conference on Tuesday. “She is an excellent player, and as I mentioned, she deserves this opportunity. Now is the appropriate time.”
Goalkeeper Claudia Dickey returns to the national team roster and could potentially make her first start. She previously attended January camps, which did not include matches. Hayes has openly discussed rotating goalkeepers, highlighting that Phallon Tullis-Joyce made her first start in the previous camp.
Hayes commented, “Statistics show that Claudia Dickey has likely been the top-performing goalkeeper in the NWSL this season. I`ve observed a significant improvement in her play this year. I`ve had extensive conversations with [Seattle Reign head coach] Laura Harvey about her development and what we both hope to see. While sending her to the U-23 team could have been an option, her current form and demonstrated quality indicate she is developing positively, and I believe she warrants this call-up.”
LaBonta is an experienced NWSL player and, at 32, also works as an analyst for the CBS Sports Attacking Third podcast. Abello had a remarkable 2024 season with Orlando. LaBonta`s team, Kansas City, leads the league standings, while Abello`s Orlando Pride are currently third.
Defender Naomi Girma is back with the USWNT after recovering from a calf injury. The 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year has not yet played for the national team this year due to the injury but returns following five appearances with Chelsea FC.
Forward Lynn Biyendolo also rejoins the squad after missing the April friendlies against Brazil due to a lower leg injury. She has regained fitness and is starting for Seattle Reign FC. Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie is named to the roster for the first time in over a year. The 19-year-old`s last appearance with the team was during the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup.
Several players who participated in the April matches against Brazil are also on this roster. Seven of the selected athletes play club soccer in Europe, but the NWSL remains the most represented league, with players from 10 out of its 14 clubs included.
Sisters Alyssa Thompson and Gisele Thompson are included again. The coaching staff is evaluating the younger sibling, Gisele, as a winger, listing her among the forwards. After the matches against China and Jamaica, the team is scheduled to play Ireland in late June.
USWNT May/June Roster
Listed by: club; caps/goals
- Goalkeepers (3): Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 0), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 3), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, ENG; 1)
- Defenders (8): Kerry Abello (Orlando Pride; 0/0), Crystal Dunn (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 159/25), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 66/1), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG; 44/2), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit; 5/0), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 2/0), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 3/0), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC; 107/2)
- Midfielders (6): Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 33/1), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 165/37), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 2/0), Lo`eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current; 0/0), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 5/2), Lily Yohannes (Ajax, NED; 6/1)
- Forwards (7): Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign FC; 78/22), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current; 4/1), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG; 23/10), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville; 4/1), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals; 7/2), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC; 17/1), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 3/0)
“We Have to Get That Balance Right”
Hayes is utilizing the period following the 2024 Olympics to expand the USWNT player pool. This is aimed at identifying and developing promising talents for the 2027 Women`s World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. The goalkeeping situation highlights a clear need for experience; none of the keepers in this camp have more than three caps, and only one active player considered recently has more than 10.
“I`ve inherited this challenge,” Hayes commented. “I didn`t create this situation. We`ve had Alyssa Naeher playing extensively while others haven`t accumulated many minutes. You cannot bypass the necessary steps in this process. It will require some time. My goal is to avoid developing a goalkeeper solely for 2027 and then facing the same issue again. I aim to establish the correct development pathways for goalkeepers from 2027 through 2031, making the transition much smoother than it is for me currently.”
Hayes anticipates having a clearer understanding of her top goalkeepers by early July, with five matches scheduled before then. Her strategy for providing players with experience is multi-faceted, including greater use of the U-23 team for development opportunities. The U-23 squad will travel to Germany for matches during the upcoming international window; their roster was expected to be announced on Wednesday. Hayes specifically noted that three prominent players – Jaedyn Shaw, Korbin Albert, and Mia Fishel (who recently recovered from an ACL injury) – would be part of that U-23 trip.
Hayes explained, “While [Fishel] could join us and be on the bench, it`s significantly more beneficial for her to play in Germany and gain experience. This ensures these players are progressing towards competing at the level we need them to be at by 2027. I believe the trip to Germany will be another important step in the development for her, Jaedyn, and Korbin.”
Hayes` period of experimentation has also coincided with the unavailability of several players from the 2024 Olympic gold-medal winning team due to various reasons. This includes Trinity Rodman, who is currently consulting a doctor in London for a persistent back issue.
“She`s doing very well, and we talk regularly,” Hayes stated. “Her support involves a multidisciplinary approach. Regarding her back issue, she wants to reach a point where it doesn`t recur. I believe these are the correct steps for her, and I`ve observed significant progress this week. However, as with any injury, it`s difficult to put an exact timeframe on recovery.”
Adrian Whitmore