At just 16-years-old, Sophia Smith (white jersey) was called up to a U.S. women's national team camp on March 31, 2017, ahead of friendlies against Russia. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
CHICAGO -- After losing three players from the training camp roster due to injuries, U.S. women's national team head coach Jill Ellis has called up 16-year-old forward Sophia Smith.
The squad is preparing to face visiting Russia in a pair of international friendlies on April 6 (Frisco, Texas) and April 9 (Houston, Texas).
Smith scored one goal as the Americans captured the 2016 CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship title and then went on to appear in three games at the 2016 FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup.
From February 15-March 8, Smith was in Europe, first with the U.S. under-18 national team in England, where she scored five goals in three games. That performance earned her a first call-up to the under-20 squad and she traveled directly to La Manga, Spain, where she scored another four goals in three matches.
Smith was then named to the U.S. under-23 national team that is currently participating in the Thorns Spring Invitational in Portland. On March 29, she scored the game-winning goal in the 90th minute of a 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns, giving her 10 goals across three age levels this year.
Midfielders Morgan Brian (knee), Lindsey Horan (hip) and Tobin Heath (back) were forced to withdraw from the training camp roster due to injuries.
ROSTER
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: Jaelin Howell (Real Colorado), Rose Lavelle (Boston Breakers), Carli Lloyd (Manchester City/England), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC)
FORWARDS: Crystal Dunn (Chelsea Ladies FC/England), Alex Morgan (Lyon/France), Kealia Ohai (Houston Dash), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (UCLA), Amy Rodriguez (FC Kansas City), Sophia Smith (Real Colorado), Lynn Williams (NC Courage)
