USWNT SheBelieves Cup Roster Breakdown: Two New Additions and Two Huge Returns
.The SheBelieves Cup has evolved into one of the biggest international competitions in women’s soccer. The same can be said for the USWNT roster; the team has undergone a ton of turnover since the World Cup. The 23 players are set, and it’s safe to say there were some surprises. Here’s our reaction to the USWNT Roster for the SheBelieves Cup.
USWNT SheBelieves Cup Roster
Goalkeepers (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defenders (8): Abby Dahlkemper (San Diego Wave), Crystal Dunn (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC), Eva Gaetino (Paris Saint-Germain), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
Midfielders (6): Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Lily Yohannes (Ajax)
Forwards (6): Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)
New Additions
The team has four major changes; the rest is unchanged. The first is Eva Gaetino, who has already made a big impact for PSG. The former Notre Dame star scored in the Champions League and will join her college and club teammate Korbin Albert.
EVA GAETINO SCORES IN HER VERY FIRST @UWCL MATCH 😤
The 21-year-old American was playing at Notre Dame Unitversity in South Bend, IN just three months ago 💪
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) March 20, 2024
Gaetino getting an opportunity is enormous for her prospects with the national team. If she can impress, she’s likely to be included in future USWNT camps. Gaetino has the potential even to become a starter down the line, and based on the injuries the team has endured over the last two years, you can never have enough quality defenders.
The next addition is easily the biggest of the group. Lily Yohannes is a 16-year-old starlet who the USWNT couldn’t keep away anymore. Yohannes is the youngest player to start a Champions League Group Stage match. We could see the teenager come off the bench at some point in the same way we’ve seen Olivia Moultrie come into the team as well.
The youth movement shouldn’t come as a surprise, as more teams are trotting teenagers into starting lineups. Kennedy Fuller debuted for Angel City to open the season, playing most of each match, which indicates that change is coming and it’s all about the next generation.
Returning from Injury
The final two changes are bittersweet. Two familiar faces are back after recovering from serious injuries, but they’re taking the place of two players who recently suffered horrible knee injuries. Catarina Macario and Mallory Swanson are in for Mia Fishel and Midge Purce. The latter are both set to be out for an extended period of time. Let’s focus on the good and highlight what Macario and Swanson bring to the USWNT in attack.
Macario’s all-around ability to not just pass but score help give the USWNT a different dimension to their offense. The USWNT needs to be versatile in how they can win each game because different situations will arise throughout an Olympics or World Cup run. That’s what makes a healthy Catarina Macario an indispensable member of this team.
Mallory Swanson was playing some of the best soccer of her career before the injury. If she’s back to her usual self, then the USWNT’s frontline will be even stronger than before. While the USWNT wasn’t perfect in the Gold Cup, they played like champions after the loss to Mexico.
Looking Towards the Olympics
The SheBelieves Cup is an opportunity to build on that win against better competition overall. U.S. Soccer’s scheduling of these competitions is timed perfectly. Ramping up the competition to the Olympics is just what the squad needs.
The SheBelieves Cup includes Canada, Brazil, and Japan. Japan is an excellent test for the USWNT. They’ll force the U.S. to be strong tactically because they are masters at exposing weaknesses while playing up their strengths. We’ll learn a lot about this group in the competition and likely see new combinations and pairings with this younger roster.
Featured image via Getty Images
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