Since we have a roster, let's start the thread. The USWNT will play two September friendly matches against Nigeria. First, they'll play on Sept. 3 in Kansas City; the kickoff is at 1:30 p.m. ET with pre-game at 1 pm ET on FOX. Then they'll travel to DC for the second game on Sept. 6 (6 p.m. ET on ESPN2). And the roster for the Nigeria games: GOALKEEPERS (3): Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars) DEFENDERS (6): Alana Cook (OL Reign), Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Kelley O’Hara (Washington Spirit), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC) MIDFIELDERS (7): Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 0/0); Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA), Taylor Kornieck (San Diego Wave FC), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit) FORWARDS (7): Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC), Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars), Midge Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC)
Crystal Dunn will also be in camp, but not ready for matches yet: .@Cdunn19, who gave birth to her son Marcel on May 20, will join camp for training as she continues her return to fitness but will not feature in the matches. pic.twitter.com/Hpxp5P5qwh— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 22, 2022
the latest has Hallie Mace replacing Kelley O’Hara(who’s out due to an hip injury). Mace would be the only KC Current on the NT. That club been the NWSL’s biggest surprise as they currently in an four way tie for 1st place in the league.
DeMelo replaces Rodman on the roster: 𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: Midfielder Savannah DeMelo earns her first Senior National Team call-up as she replaces forward Trinity Rodman on the #USWNT roster for the upcoming friendlies vs. Nigeria.Rodman will not attend training camp due to a family commitment.— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 29, 2022
I'm glad to see DeMelo getting a call up. I see her as the possible future number 6 for U.S., although she could also be slotted into other midfield positions.
Nigeria have called up five players that have just finished the U20 WC. Quick turnaround for them. Onyenezide looks a real talent IMO. The five players include centre back and captain Blessing Oluwatosin Demehin, right back Jumoke Alani, left back Rofiat Imuran, and midfielder Deborah Abiodun and Esther Onyenezide.
The fingerprints of McSkillz are all over this call up. I'm telling you people, she's behind the scenes......pulling all the strings.
Starting XI: Our lineup in KC 🇺🇸⌚️ 1 PM ET📺 FOX— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 3, 2022
And Nigeria's line-up: Our starting line up against @USWNT in Kansas City USA 🇺🇸 🆚 Nigeria 🇳🇬🏟️ Children's Mercy Park🕡6:30pm (NGA)🎥@thenff YouTube/Facebook #SoarSuperFalcons|| #USANGA| #WeCountOnYou| #Team9jaStrong| #TeamNigeria| @thenff pic.twitter.com/YWka5AdWsY— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) September 3, 2022
US is on the board. Quick transition for the US off of a long Nigerian goal kick while Nigeria was down a player. Smith finishes.
Horan really took her time, but still got a goal. 2-0. I wasn't sure a foul outside the box might be called before that. That was a good possession from the corner.
It was confusing to see Smith called for a foul and then the ref giving a yellow to a Nigerian for persistent infringement.