Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman, a dynamic trio known as Triple Espresso, will not participate in the January training camp for the U.S. national soccer team as they continue to recover from injuries.
On Tuesday, coach Emma Hayes revealed the 26 players selected for the training session commencing on January 14 in Carson, California.
The current roster features only 11 members of the squad that won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics last year. Midfielder Rose Lavelle has been omitted following an ankle operation, as have players currently competing in Europe, including team captain Lindsey Horan and young talent Lily Yohannes.
Among the players called up, thirteen have three or fewer appearances with the national team, with six players set to attend their first senior camp. All of these athletes are affiliated with clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Hayes stated that her first January camp allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the players after a hectic initiation period. The former Chelsea coach only formally joined the U.S. team last May, immediately focusing on preparing the squad for the Olympics.
A key responsibility has been finding a replacement for goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who announced her retirement from the national team in December. Hayes has invited four goalkeepers to the camp: Casey Murphy from North Carolina, Angelina Anderson from Angel City, Claudia Dickey from Seattle, and Mandy McGlynn from Utah. Among these, Murphy stands out with 20 international caps.
Hayes also shared her intention of developing a strategy aimed at the upcoming 2027 Women’s World Cup and beyond.
A significant focus will be on nurturing the youth national teams; senior players will engage in training alongside prospects designated for a 24-player Futures Camp, with announcements due on Wednesday.
“I aim to enhance the solid foundations we’ve created while ensuring more players grasp this foundation better… It’s crucial that we develop a broader player pool to compete at the highest levels,” Hayes remarked during a conference call.
The national team is slated to compete in February, hosting Japan, Colombia, and Australia for the SheBelieves Cup tournament.
“I believe that by the time we reach SheBelieves, it will be the first camp where I’ve adequately evaluated the majority of the players on my list,” Hayes commented. “I feel confident that we are in a strong position to move forward.”
The announced roster is as follows:
**Goalkeepers:** Angelina Anderson (Angel City), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage)
**Defenders:** Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC), Crystal Dunn (Gotham FC), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Alyssa Malonson (Bay FC), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Jenna Nighswonger (Gotham FC), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Ryan Williams (North Carolina Courage)
**Midfielders:** Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit), Nealy Martin (Gotham FC), Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave)
**Forwards:** Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ella Stevens (Gotham FC), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City), Morgan Weaver (Portland Thorns), Lynn Williams (Seattle Reign)
