Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson headline the United States women’s national team’s first roster since their Olympic gold medal victory in August. This highly anticipated return will allow home fans to celebrate the team’s achievements during their upcoming matches.
On Thursday, USWNT coach Emma Hayes revealed a 26-player roster for three friendly matches scheduled in late October, marking a significant moment as the team reconnects with their supporters.
The U.S. will face Iceland on October 24 in Austin, Texas, and again on October 27 in Nashville, Tennessee. The series of matches will wrap up against Argentina three days later in Louisville, Kentucky, providing fans with an exciting opportunity to witness their favorite players in action.
“The summer was brilliant, and we want to make these three games about celebrating some amazing accomplishments and players,” Hayes stated in the press release announcing the roster. “I love that we get to see most of our Olympic team again after a few months, but I also love getting to work with some newer players and evaluate how they perform in our environment.”
The roster features standout forwards Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson. However, Trinity Rodman, who was a key player in the “Triple Espresso” front line that scored 10 of the USWNT’s 12 goals at the 2024 Olympics, will not be participating this month. Additionally, World Cup champions Crystal Dunn and Tierna Davidson will also miss these matches, alongside midfielder Croix Bethune, who served as one of Hayes’ four alternates in France.
The complete 26-woman roster is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell, Houston Dash; Casey Murphy, North Carolina Courage; Alyssa Naeher, Chicago Red Stars
Defenders: Emily Fox, Arsenal (England); Eva Gaetino, Paris Saint-Germain (France); Naomi Girma, San Diego Wave; Casey Krueger, Washington Spirit; Hailie Mace, Kansas City Current; Alyssa Malonson, Bay FC; Jenna Nighswonger, Gotham FC; Emily Sams, Orlando Pride; Emily Sonnett, Gotham
Midfielders: Korbin Albert, Paris Saint-Germain; Sam Coffey, Portland Thorns; Hal Hershfelt, Washington Spirit; Lindsey Horan, Olympique Lyon (France); Rose Lavelle, Gotham; Olivia Moultrie, Portland Thorns; Ashley Sanchez, North Carolina Courage
Forwards: Yazmeen Ryan, Gotham; Emma Sears, Racing Louisville; Jaedyn Shaw, San Diego Wave; Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns; Mallory Swanson, Chicago Red Stars; Alyssa Thompson, Angel City; Lynn Williams, Gotham
Forward Jaedyn Shaw makes her comeback after missing the Olympics due to a muscle injury sustained just before the Games. Shaw, the youngest player on the Olympic roster, is one of three teenagers included in this squad, alongside fellow 19-year-olds Moultrie and Thompson.
“I was so gutted she couldn’t make it in the Olympics,” Hayes expressed during a videoconference with reporters. “What a teammate she was during that period, and I was very hopeful she would make it back, but that wasn’t the case… I’m really looking forward to having a fit and healthy Jaedyn with us.”
Thompson, the youngest member of the Americans’ 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup team, was not selected for the Olympic roster but has been performing exceptionally well in the NWSL, netting five goals in her last eight games. She is among 22 U.S.-based players chosen by Hayes, with four players currently playing for European clubs.
However, forward Catarina Macario will not be part of the roster. Although she was named to the Olympic team, Macario had to withdraw due to knee issues that have plagued her for over two years.
“We need Cat playing week in and week out on a regular basis,” Hayes remarked. “I think it’s so important for her to get that right.”
“I know her history,” added Hayes, who also coached Macario at Chelsea. “I believe it’s best for her to focus on getting back to a place where she can start regularly for Chelsea first, and hopefully that will happen soon. Cat is a crucial player for both Chelsea and our national team.”
Hayes has also included six uncapped players in the roster: Eva Gaetino, Hal Hershfelt, Alyssa Malonson, Yazmeen Ryan, Emily Sams, and Emma Sears. While Sams has yet to make an appearance for the USWNT, she was an unused substitute in two matches during the Paris Games and received a gold medal as a result.
The Olympic victory marked the fifth title in the program’s history. The U.S. also boasts a record four World Cup titles, solidifying its position as the most successful nation in women’s soccer.
“[There are] a handful of players that could very well be within this roster that are not,” Hayes commented. “Every player from the Olympics, as part of the Victory Tour, must be included in this squad. Therefore, I could only select a limited number of new players for this camp. For those who missed out, there will be future opportunities.”
