Earlier this week, US Soccer announced a 27 player roster ahead of the USWNT January training camp. While Vlatko begins to contemplate the Olympic roster.
The team will play against Colombia on Jan. 18 and Jan. 22 at Exploria Stadium. Which is home to the Orlando Pride and Orlando City SC. Making this the first time the USWNT has played in the US since March. The training camp will run from Jan. 9-22.
This roster marks the return of Megan Rapinoe to the pitch for the first time since the victory tour, following a string of injuries and opt-outs. Along with Carli Lloyd, who has also been missing in action for the majority of the year. As well as Mallory Pugh, Andi Sullivan, and Lindsey Horan, all of whom were not present for the October training camp.
The forward list is looking a little shorter than usual, with Alex Morgan announcing just last week that she has come down with COVID-19. While Tobin Heath has opted to stay overseas to finish out the scheduled games with Man United. As well as ManU teammate Christen Press, who is just coming back down from a non-COVID related illness.
A name to look out for on this shortened roster is Stanford star, Catarina Macario. She is just a few steps away from becoming the first naturalized citizen to play for the team after acquiring her US citizenship back in October.
The US Soccer Federation has had its eyes on the collegiate star for quite some time, and for a good reason. Macario is a two-time espnW player of the year and Hermann Trophy winner. And luckily for US Soccer, Macario has had her eyes on them as well. Admittedly turning down several approaches from Brazil’s Football Federation throughout her playing career.
“Anyone who has seen Catarina play college can tell that she is a special talent. She’s incredibly skillful, can score in many different ways, and is just fun to watch she’s got a flair. She’s very creative, and she’s got this ability to create chances and score goals that anyone would welcome on the team.”
– Adonovski on Maracio after calling her up to October’s camp just hours after her citizenship test.
However, as of the last update from US Soccer, Catarina is not yet eligible to officially play for the team. While the federation sorts out some final regulations with FIFA to obtain clearance for her to play. But still, Vlatko has stated that he thinks it is crucial for her to get used to the environment and atmosphere of the team. Leading many to believe that she will be a core fixture for the USWNT in the future.
The full roster can be found here.
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