Fishel & US Women's National Team Training Camp Update
IslandStats.com
The US Women’s National Soccer Team training camp is underway, Vlatko Andonovski named a 27-player roster for the first U.S. Women’s National Team Training Camp in seven months.
The USWNT are holding an 11-day camp in Commerce City, Colorado. This roster features some familiar faces and some new youngsters getting their opportunity to play with the best of the best. There are 23 NWSL players and four current collegiate players that will compete to catch the eye of Vlatko.
Knowing the current state of the world and the Olympics and National team games being put on hold, Vlatko had to consider the future of the USWNT by giving rookies and uncapped players the chance to show their talents and possibly make the Olympic roster in 2021.
The 10 uncapped players who have made an appearance at camp are UCLA forward Mia Fishel (19), OL Reign forward Bethany Balcer (23 years old), Florida State midfielder Jaelin Howell (20), Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe (28), Stanford defender Naomi Girma (20), Chicago Red Stars defender Sarah Gorden (28), Houston Dash midfielder Shea Groom (27), Stanford attacker Catarina Macario (21), Washington Spirit midfielder Ashley Sanchez (21) and Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith (20). Many, if not all have been a part of Youth National team camps or at the senior level, but the talent and competition this group brings to returning USWNT players will be very exciting to see.
Several 2019 Women’s World Cup veterans were not able to attend due to recovering from injury and other personal reasons. Carli Lloyd, Mallory Pugh, Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe will not be making the trip to Colorado. As well as, many players who are playing overseas such as Sam Mewis, Rose Lavelle, Tobin Heath and Christen Press. Casey Short was also ruled out from camp last minute due to a hip injury.
As the majority of players have been competing in the NWSL they will be ready to go and play against many familiar faces. Whereas, the four college players called up have not played any matches this fall due to the Pac-12 conference pushing women’s soccer to the spring because of COVID. Although they may be at a slight disadvantage, they will look to get back on the pitch and proudly wear the U.S. crest.
When not at training, the team will undergo strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure all players remain healthy and carry on the success that the NWSL Bubble had during their Challenge Cup and Fall Series. As the first league to successfully have 0 positive tests there should be no doubt the squad will remain safe. We are ecstatic to see new faces that have performed in the NWSL make their mark at the National team level and possibly find themselves on the Olympic roster.