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USWNT: 24-player roster announced for Russia friendlies

By Daniel Garza

Oct 19, 2016; Sandy, UT, USA; United States forward Christen Press (23) kicks the ball down the field during the second half against the Switzerland at Rio Tinto Stadium. United States won the game 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Sandy, UT, USA; United States forward Christen Press (23) kicks the ball down the field during the second half against the Switzerland at Rio Tinto Stadium. United States won the game 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /
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On Thursday, United States Women’s National Team manager, Jill Ellis, named the 24-player roster for two friendly matches against Russia in April.

After a disappointing SheBelieves Cup performance, the USWNT are set to face Russia on April 6 and 9. The 24-player training camp roster was announced, with only 18 making the match roster come April. Here’s the complete roster breakdown:

Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

Defenders: Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC), Megan Oyster (Boston Breakers), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars)

Midfielders: Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (Boston Breakers), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash/Manchester City), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign)

Forwards: (7): Crystal Dunn (Chelsea FC), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride/Olympique Lyonnais, FRA), Kealia Ohai (Houston Dash), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (UCLA), Amy Rodriguez (FC Kansas City), Lynn Williams (NC Courage)

Roster Takeaways

As one can tell, the roster is fairly similar to the team that played in the SheBelieves Cup, 19 players that made this roster participated in the tournament in early March. One of the additions is veteran midfielder Megan Rapinoe.

Nine of the ten NWSL clubs are represented on the roster, with the Washington Spirit being the only team left out.

The three players that are members of the European clubs will arrive to camp later, since they are coming towards the tail end of their respective seasons.

Oct 23, 2016; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Team USA forward Carli Lloyd (10) dribbles in the first half against the Team Switzerland at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Team USA forward Carli Lloyd (10) dribbles in the first half against the Team Switzerland at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Both of these matches will come just a week before the National Women’s Soccer League kicks off on April 15. All of these players are already in the midst of their preseason training with their clubs, and should be sharp for these two matches.

Next: USMNT: WCQ vs. Hounduras - Preview and How to Watch

Friendly Schedule

Both of the friendly matches will take place in Texas. The first will be on April 6 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco and the second will be at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston on April 9. Russia is currently ranked 23rd in the world and will be participating in the European Championships this summer.

They last faced the USWNT in 2014 and lost both friendly matches by a combined score of 15-0. Regardless of the results from the SheBelieves Cup the US will be expected to win both matches, easily. Expected being the key word.

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