USA have named their 18-woman squad for the 2020 Olympics Women’s Football tournament in Tokyo, Japan.
Vlatko Andonovski has named 11 returning players in his 18-player squad from 2016 Olympics in which USA suffered a shock Quarter-Final exit 4-3 on penalties to Sweden after a 1-1 draw.
Portland Thorns’ Adrianna France has received her first Olympics call-up alongside no.1 choice, Alyssa Naeher in Andonovski’s goalkeeping selection with Naeher set to make her second Olympics squad after being named in the 2016 squad.
In defence, Abby Dahlkemper, Tierna Davidson and Emily Sonnett have all received their first Olympics call-ups alongside Crystal Dunn who has been selected for her second Olympics squad, whilst Kelley O’Hara and Becky Sauerbrunn are set to feature at their third Olympics.
Midfield sisters of Sam and Kristie Mewis have been handed their maiden Olympics call-ups along with Rose Lavelle, whilst Julie Ertz and Lindsey Horan are in their second Olympic squads as Ertz returns after being snubbed in 2016.
Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath head the American strike force as they prepare for their fourth Olympics, with Lloyd set to become USA’s oldest Women Soccer Olympian, as she celebrates her 39th birthday just before the tournament starts.
Alex Morgan, Christen Press and Megan Rapinoe meanwhile completes Andonovski’s squad as USA find themselves in Group G against Sweden, New Zealand and Australia, with respective games to take place on 21, 24 and 27 July 2021.
Four alternate players have also been called up – Jane Campbell, Casey Krueger, Catarina Macario and Lynn Williams, who will replace any of the official squad players in the event of injury or illness forcing withdrawal from the tournament.
Speaking on his squad decisions, Andonovski explained that he is “confident” that he has selected the right players to deliver “the best chance for success” following a lengthy consultation period of analysis and data gathering at both club and international levels.
Andonovski also acknowledged that he has snubbed “very talented players” like Mallory Pugh and Casey Short, although he justified their absence by describing the squad selection as a series of “difficult decisions” due to having “a very experienced roster” who have been through high adversity levels in the past.
Here is the 18-woman USA Olympics squad in full:
Goalkeepers – Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defence – Abby Dahlkemper (Manchester City/ENG), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC), Kelley O’Hara (Washington Spirit), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Sonnett (Washington Spirit)
Midfield – Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (Houston Dash), Samantha Mewis (North Carolina Courage)
Forward – Tobin Heath (Unattached), Carli Lloyd (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Unattached), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign)
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