U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Gears Up for Summer Friendlies with Key Player Returns
After enduring prolonged absences due to injuries, two prominent members of the U.S. women’s national soccer squad are set to rejoin the team for upcoming summer exhibition matches, as announced by Head Coach Emma Hayes on Wednesday.
Injury Comebacks: Croix Bethune and Rose Lavelle
Midfielder Croix Bethune of Washington Spirit and Rose Lavelle of Gotham FC, both of whom have faced significant injury setbacks, have been included among the 25 players summoned for training camp ahead of two international fixtures against Ireland and a high-profile match against Canada. These games are scheduled for later this month and early July, respectively, with both matches taking place at Washington’s Audi Field.
Bethune, who earned the NWSL Rookie of the Year accolade in 2024, will be rejoining the national team for the first time since contributing to the gold medal-winning effort at the Paris Olympics. Her return comes after a series of setbacks; shortly after her Olympic success, she suffered a meniscus tear during a ceremonial first pitch at a Washington Nationals game, which sidelined her during the Spirit’s run to the NWSL final. Despite these hurdles, Bethune has made notable progress this season, starting four consecutive matches and playing her first full 90-minute game on June 8.
Meanwhile, Lavelle, 30, last appeared for the U.S. team in December during a match against the Netherlands before undergoing ankle surgery. She has recently returned to Gotham FC, making two substitute appearances totaling 28 minutes. With over 110 caps for the United States, Lavelle remains one of the most seasoned players on the roster, which averages approximately 18 international appearances per player.
Preparation for Key Summer Fixtures
The team’s training camp is scheduled to commence this coming Monday, leading up to the June 26 fixture against Ireland, ranked 25th globally, in Commerce City, Colorado. The squad will then face Ireland again on June 29 in Cincinnati, marking a crucial part of their summer schedule.
Coach Hayes emphasized the importance of these matches, stating, “Our goal is to enhance our tactical understanding and expand our player pool. We have a diverse group with varying levels of international experience, and it’s vital to deepen their exposure to the demands of top-tier soccer. While winning remains a priority, our primary focus is on preparing for future challenges.”
Strategic Focus on Youth Development and Player Integration
In an effort to build a sustainable future, Hayes has granted most European-based players a summer break, including notable figures like Lindsey Horan, Crystal Dunn, and Emily Fox, who have just completed their club seasons. The only exception is Naomi Girma, a center back who, due to injury, has played only seven matches for Chelsea since her record-breaking transfer from San Diego Wave in January.
Additionally, the roster features several newcomers, including defenders Jordyn Bugg, Lilly Reale, Izzy Rodriguez, and midfielder Sam Meza, all of whom are seeking their first senior national team caps. Goalkeepers Angelina Anderson and Claudia Dickey are also in the mix, aiming to debut at the international level. Notably, all but six players on the roster have fewer than 10 international appearances, highlighting the team’s focus on integrating emerging talent.
At just 18 years old, Bugg is the youngest player on the squad, joining fellow teenagers Olivia Moultrie, Claire Hutton, and Gisele Thompson, who are all 19. This infusion of youth aligns with Hayes’s broader strategy to strengthen the pipeline from youth development programs to the senior team, especially in preparation for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
Upcoming Youth National Team Selections
Looking ahead, the U.S. Soccer Federation is set to announce an under-23 squad this Friday, predominantly composed of NWSL players, for a training camp in Colorado. This initiative aims to further develop the next generation of American women’s soccer talent, ensuring a robust pipeline for future international competitions.
Current U.S. Women’s National Team Roster
Goalkeepers:
- Angelina Anderson (Angel City)
- Claudia Dickey (Seattle)
- Mandy McGlynn (Utah)
Defenders:
- Kerry Abello (Orlando)
- Jordyn Bugg (Seattle)
- Naomi Girma (Chelsea)
- Lilly Reale (Gotham)
- Tara McKeown (Washington)
- Avery Patterson (Houston)
- Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City)
- Emily Sams (Orlando)
- Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)
- Gisele Thompson (Angel City)
Midfielders:
- Croix Bethune (Washington)
- Sam Coffey (Portland)
- Claire Hutton (Kansas City)
- Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC)
- Sam Meza (Seattle)
- Olivia Moultrie (Portland)
Forwards:
- Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle)
- Michelle Cooper (Kansas City)
- Yazmeen Ryan (Houston)
- Emma Sears (Louisville)
- Ally Sentnor (Utah)
- Alyssa Thompson (Angel City)
