Sophia Wilson and Tierna Davidson rejoin the USWNT for a marquee series vs. Japan
The duo join a veteran-laden roster that feels the closest manager Emma Hayes has come to a full deck since the Olympics.
The U.S. women’s soccer team will welcome back two stars next week when it gathers for a three-game series against fellow power Japan.
Forward Sophia Wilson returns from maternity leave and should see her first national team action in 15 months. She’d become the 18th mother to play for the U.S. women, and if she scores, the ninth player to achieve that feat as a mom.
“Watching her play 70 minutes the other night, it was almost like I couldn’t believe she’s had a baby and come back to perform at the level she’s done,” Hayes said in a news conference after the roster announcement. “Real credit to her and the team around her, seeing [they] really positioned pre- and post-pregnancy planning in a fantastic way. … I’m so happy and excited she’s back, and I’m really proud of her.”
Centerback Tierna Davidson also is in the fold again for the first time in 13 months, having recovered from a torn ACL. Though manager Emma Hayes has fostered a lot of competition at the spot, a healthy Davidson immediately slots in high on the depth chart.
“I really rate Tierna Davidson as football player, and I value those qualities, especially as a left-footed centerback,” Hayes said. “And what a long journey she’s been on. Shown once again not just her resilience, but her determination to bring her[self] back to a great level.”
The duo joins a veteran-laden roster that feels the closest Hayes has come to a full deck since the Olympics. Naomi Girma, Emily Fox, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Heaps, Jaedyn Shaw, Rose Lavelle, Trinity Rodman, and Alyssa Thompson are aboard.
» READ MORE: The USWNT wins fans with its stars, but keeps winning games with its depth
Catarina Macario is the biggest name missing, but her recent move to the NWSL’s San Diego Wave ensures it won’t be long before she’s in the fold, too.
There’s still room for youth in the 26-player roster, and some of those names have put themselves firmly in the race for next year’s World Cup. Defenders Lilly Reale and Gisele Thompson; midfielders Claire Hutton, Olivia Moultrie, and Lily Yohannes; and forwards Ally Sentnor and Emma Sears lead that group.
Japan will arrive fresh off its third Asian Cup championship in four editions, and ranked No. 5 in FIFA’s global standings. The Nadeshiko have always been a great foil for the Americans, with historic meetings in the 2011 and 2015 World Cup finals, the 2012 Olympics gold-medal game, and the 2024 semifinals.
This series will continue that legacy, with a twist of being a three-game set.
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“It means I get to play one team [of players in] two games and another team in one of those games,” Hayes said. “I think by doing that, it continues to develop the playing pool against the elite and the top players. … I think this [Japan team] is, without question, one of the favorites to win the World Cup.”
Though Japan hadn’t named its squad yet when the U.S. made its announcement, expect to see stars including playmaker Yui Hasegawa and longtime centerback Saki Kumagai. The NWSL contingent could be led by North Carolina Courage attacking midfielder Manaka Matsukubo and Utah Royals forward Mina Tanaka.
All three games will be played out west: April 11 in San Jose, Calif. (5:30 p.m., TNT, Universo), April 14 in Seattle (10 p.m., TNT, Universo), and April 17 in Commerce City, Colo. (9 p.m., TNT, Universo).
USWNT roster vs. Japan
Goalkeepers (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, England)
Defenders (9): Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal, England), Naomi Girma (Chelsea, England), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), Emily Sams (Angel City FC), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave)
Midfielders (7): Sam Coffey (Manchester City, England), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes, France), Claire Hutton (Bay FC), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes)
Forwards (7): Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea), Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns)
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