USWNT: 21-Player roster announced for Sweden and Norway friendlies

The 21-player roster for the United States Women’s National Team’s trip to Scandinavia was announced on Thursday.

In June, the USWNT will head to Sweden and Norway for a pair of friendlies. The U.S. is well acquainted with these two countries as the match against Norway will be the 50th time the two sides have met.

The roster for the friendlies is full of familiar names such as Alex Morgan, Allie Long, Megan Rapinoe, and Megahan Klingberg. Here’s the complete 21-player roster.

Goalkeepers (2): Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Abby Smith (Boston Breakers)

Defenders (7): Abby Dahlkemper (NC Courage), Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars), Jaelene Hinkle (NC Courage), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars)

Midfielders (7): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), 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 FC)

Forwards (5): Crystal Dunn (Chelsea FC), Sydney Leroux (FC Kansas City), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride/Olympique Lyonnais), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (Washington Spirit)

Roster Breakdown

One of the big additions to the roster is Abby Smith, who is having a terrific season thus far for the Boston Breakers in the National Women’s Soccer League. This is her first time getting an international call-up. Alyssa Naeher should remain the number one option in net as only two goalkeepers are traveling.

Striker, Sydney Leroux, will be making her return to the USWNT as she has been a regular in the FC Kansas City starting XI.

There are three players on international club rosters that will be part of the team as Carli Lloyd, Crystal Dunn, and Morgan will be coming off of successful campaigns with their respective clubs.

It will be interesting to see the difference in form this time around as the last matches for the USWNT were in April when most of the players were still in early season form. With the NWSL season well underway, the team should be more fluid and fit across the board.

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Head coach, Jill Ellis, is optimistic about the upcoming matches.

"“I have enjoyed watching the league games, but it will be great to get the players back together,” Ellis said. “This will be a quick trip against two very good teams in final preparations for the Euros, so I’m looking forward to seeing how we respond to these two quality opponents.”"

The first match of the trip will be on June 8th against Sweden with the Norway match taking place on June 11th.