Christie Rampone (blue jersey) could get her 295th cap in the USA's friendly against Switzerland on August 20, 2014. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
CHICAGO – United States women’s national team head coach Jill Ellis announced Tuesday a selection of 19 players for an international friendly against visiting Switzerland on August 20, at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.
The first-ever meeting between the sides is already sold out at the 10,000-seat venue.
“With the very short time together, we’re just bringing in these 19 players, but we’re excited about the chance to play a team that has some talented attackers and that will be in the World Cup next summer,” said Ellis. “It’s been tremendous to watch our players compete in the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) this season and I’m really excited to get them together for what will be another great test for our team.”
Eighteen of the 19 players named to the roster played in the NWSL this season and at least 10 will be heading back to their clubs for semifinal playoff matches the following weekend. Midfielder Morgan Brian, a rising senior at the University of Virginia, is the only non-professional named to the roster.
The United States is preparing to host the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, the region’s qualifying tournament for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.
UNITED STATES WOMEN’S ROSTER
(International friendly: August 20, 2014, home v Switzerland; WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, North Carolina)
GOALKEEPERS: Ashlyn Harris (Washington Spirit), Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)
DEFENDERS: Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Houston Dash), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Christie Rampone (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City)
MIDFIELDERS: Morgan Brian (University of Virginia), Lauren Holiday (FC Kansas City), Carli Lloyd (Western New York Flash), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Heather O’Reilly (Boston Breakers), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC)
FORWARDS: Sydney Leroux (Seattle Reign FC), Alex Morgan (Portland Thorns), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Amy Rodriguez (FC Kansas City), Abby Wambach (Western New York Flash)