Emma Hayes leans on home-based talent, welcomes Rose Lavelle back for US Women's National Team friendlies.
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Emma Hayes has announced a 25-player training camp roster for the USWNT's upcoming friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Canada, with a notable return and a strong domestic presence. The roster, revealed on June 18, 2025, includes the highly anticipated comeback of midfielder Rose Lavelle after a six-month absence due to ankle surgery.

Lavelle's return is a significant boost for the team. The World Cup and Olympic champion last played for the USWNT in December 2024. Her inclusion offers a chance for her to play in front of her hometown crowd in Cincinnati during the June 29th match against Ireland at TQL Stadium.

Hayes has opted for a roster largely composed of NWSL players, with 24 of the 25 players currently playing in the domestic league. Chelsea FC defender Naomi Girma is the only European-based player included, as Hayes decided to give most of the USA's Europe-based players a rest after their long club seasons.

The roster also includes four players receiving their first-ever senior call-ups: defenders Jordyn Bugg, Lilly Reale, and Izzy Rodriguez, and midfielder Sam Meza. This brings the total number of first-time call-ups under Hayes to 27 since she took over as head coach in June 2024. Six players on the roster are uncapped, and 19 players (76%) have fewer than 10 caps, signaling Hayes' focus on expanding the player pool and providing opportunities for emerging talents.

Alongside Lavelle, midfielder Croix Bethune also returns to the squad after recovering from a meniscus tear sustained in August 2024. Bethune, the 2024 NWSL Midfielder of the Year, brings creative dynamism to the team's midfield.

The USWNT will face the Republic of Ireland on June 26 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, and again on June 29 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. They will then take on Canada on July 2 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Hayes will select 23 players to suit up for each of the three matches.

This roster selection reflects Hayes' strategy of evaluating and integrating new players while also providing opportunities for experienced players like Lavelle and Bethune to regain their form and contribute to the team's success. The emphasis on domestic-based players also allows Hayes to closely assess talent within the NWSL as she continues to build towards the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.

USWNT Roster for June/July Friendlies:

  • Goalkeepers: Angelina Anderson (Angel City FC), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals)
  • Defenders: Kerry Abello (Orlando Pride), Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC)
  • Midfielders: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Sam Meza (Seattle Reign FC), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC)
  • Forwards: Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign FC), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC)

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With a thoughtful, analytical approach and a passion for sports, Vikram is keenly interested in the intersection of local economics and community development. He's starting to report on local businesses, startups, and economic trends, aiming to understand their impact on job creation and community well-being. Vikram, also an avid sports enthusiast, focuses on making complex economic issues accessible to a broad audience through clear, informative writing.
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