CHICAGO (Feb. 2, 2024) - The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and A+E Networks have entered an historic partnership whereby A+E Networks will become the league’s newest investor with an equity stake in the National Women’s Soccer League, joining the existing team ownership groups.  As one of the leading women’s media brands, Lifetime, will become an official sponsor and broadcast partner of the league in a three-year deal, beginning in April. The strategic investment is accompanied by the creation of a new joint venture, NWSL Media, and marks a watershed moment in the league’s history that will bolster the league’s growth and support of the teams, players and fans.

“This is a transformational partnership in the evolution of the league, and we are so appreciative of Nancy Dubuc and her team at A+E Networks as they take a leadership position in the growth of our league and create opportunities for young women,” NWSL Commissioner Jeff Plush said. “We are also extremely pleased to be able to present our fans with the most comprehensive national television and streaming packages in our history.”

“As a former college athlete, I know the importance of sports in the lives of women and girls and I couldn’t be more thrilled to join forces with NWSL and U.S. Soccer to ensure professional women athletes are elevated as the entire country can watch and be inspired by their strength and athleticism.   The teams are filled with some of the best professional players in the world, and we are proud to welcome them to Lifetime,” said Nancy Dubuc, President and CEO, A+E Networks.

“This partnership is not only tremendously significant in the continued growth of the NWSL, but representative of how far the league has come in four years and where it can go in the future,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “A+E and its resources are a fantastic fit for women’s professional soccer and will have a major impact on continuing to raise the profile of what we feel is already the best and most competitive league in the world.”

NWSL Media, the new joint venture between the NWSL and A+E Networks, will act as the media and commercial arm of the league, overseeing all of its global broadcast and sponsorship rights. In addition, NWSL Media will manage all digital assets for the NWSL including a re-designed NWSLSoccer.com, a new NWSL app on iOS and Android, and the league’s social media platforms.

NWSL Media will oversee the live streaming of all matches and produce the games in high definition with a consistent, state-of-the-art approach that will include exclusive new and original digital content for pre-game, halftime and post-game segments. The joint venture is currently negotiating with potential partners to stream the games not broadcast on Lifetime.

Lifetime, the premier entertainment destination for women, is making an unprecedented commitment with a three-year agreement to be the official broadcast partner.  For the first time in NWSL’s history, a league game will be broadcast on television every weekend of the season. The NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime will provide fans throughout the country with a live viewing platform every Saturday at 4 p.m. ET to watch the best players in the world. A pre-game show will kick off each weekly event at 3:30 p.m. ET.  Showcasing the network’s sponsorship and commitment to the league, Lifetime will be featured on all official jerseys with a patch on the right sleeve.

Founded in December 2024, the NWSL is a 10-team Division-I women’s professional soccer league set to kick off an historic fifth season in 2024 with support from the Canadian Soccer Association and United States Soccer Federation.

Established as an eight-team league, the NWSL has expanded twice – with the Houston Dash entering the league for the 2024 season and the Orlando Pride added ahead of the 2024 campaign. The league will welcome a new fan base in 2024 with the Flash relocating to become the North Carolina Courage.

The Portland Thorns FC claimed the first league title in 2024 with a victory over the Western New York Flash in the inaugural NWSL Championship Game. FC Kansas City followed with back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2024 thanks to a pair of wins against Seattle Reign FC in the final. In 2024, the Flash returned to the championship game and became the first No. 4 seed to win the league title after twice rallying from a one-goal deficit against the Washington Spirit to force extra time and then penalties.

In the history of the league three clubs has captured the NWSL Shield, awarded to the club with the best record in the regular season, including Western New York (2013), Seattle (2014, 2024) and Portland (2016).

#NWSLonLIFETIME @lifetimeTV @NWSL

About NWSL The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is a ten-team Division-I women’s professional soccer league featuring national team players from around the world. The clubs are the Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, FC Kansas City, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Seattle Reign FC, Sky Blue FC, and the Washington Spirit. Based in Chicago, the NWSL is supported by the Canadian Soccer Association and the United States Soccer Federation. For more information about the NWSL, log on to the league’s official website at www.NWSLsoccer.com.

About Lifetime Lifetime is a premier entertainment destination for women dedicated to offering the highest quality original programming spanning scripted series, non-fiction series and movies. The critically acclaimed UnREAL, Project Runway, Dance Moms, Bring It!, The Rap Game and Little Women franchises anchor the network’s programming, in addition to its over 25 original movies annually that continue to define the TV movie genre. In 2024, Lifetime launched Broad Focus, a major global initiative dedicated to supporting and hiring female directors, writers and producers to make its content which totals over 450 original hours. Lifetime’s Fempire positions the network as a curator of feminist content and conversations, as well as a place where women connect, learn and are entertained. Lifetime Television®, LMN®, Lifetime Real Women® and Lifetime Digital™ are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A+E Networks.

About A+E Networks A+E Networks®, LLC. is an award-winning, global media content company offering consumers a diverse communications environment ranging from linear channels to websites, gaming, watch apps and educational software as well as SVOD products, including first-to-market Apps such as HISTORY Vault and Lifetime Movie Club. A+E Networks is comprised of A&E®, Lifetime®, History®, LMN®, FYI™, VICELAND, H2™, A+E Studios™, History en Español™, Crime + Investigation™, Military History™, Lifetime Real Women®, A&E IndieFilms®, A+E Networks International®, A+E Networks Digital® and A+E Networks Consumer Products™. A+E Networks channels and branded programming reach more than 335 million households in over 200 territories and 41 languages. A+E Networks, LLC. is a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/aenetworks and Facebook at facebook.com/AENetworks/.

Scott started every game for Canada at both the 2024 & 2024 Olympic Tournaments in addition to the 2024 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She has 118 appearances (84 starts) across her entire international career with Canada.

The roster for Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team training camp, including the matches against Mexico, includes 19 of the 21 players who traveled to the Rio 2024 Olympic Games, and adds seven rising stars to Canada’s line up.

Canada Soccer Women’s National Team February Camp Roster (in alphabetical order):                

Lindsay Agnew, age 21, from Kingston, ON/ Washington Spirit (NWSL)

Janine Beckie, age 22, from Highlands Ranch, CO/ Houston Dash (NWSL)

Josée Bélanger, age 30, from Coaticook, QC/ UQAM

Gabrielle Carle, age 18, from Lévis, QC/ CS Lévis-Est & Québec Soccer REX

Ashley Cathro, age 16, from Victoria, BC/Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite BC Soccer Rex

Allysha Chapman, age 28, from Courtice, ON/ Boston Breakers (NWSL)

Sabrina D'Angelo, age 23, from Welland, ON/ North Carolina Courage (NWSL)

Jessie Fleming, age 18, from London, ON/ UCLA (NCAA)

Jordyn Huitema, age 15, from Chilliwack, BC/ Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite BC Soccer REX

Stephanie Labbé, age 30, from Edmonton, AB/ Washington Spirit (NWSL)

Alex Lamontagne, age 20, from Whitby, ON/ Durham United FC (League1 Ontario)

Marie Levasseur, age 19, from Stoneham, QC/ University of Memphis (NCAA)

Diana Matheson, age 32, from Oakville, ON/ Seattle Reign (NWSL)

Marie-Ève Nault, age 34, from Trois-Rivières, QC

Nichelle Prince, age 21, from Ajax, ON/ Houston Dash (NWSL)

Deanne Rose, age 17, from Alliston, ON/ Scarborough GS United (League1 Ontario)

Rebecca Quinn, age 21, from Toronto, ON/ Duke University (NCAA)

Sophie Schmidt, age 28, from Abbotsford, BC/ FFC Frankfurt (Bundesliga)

Desiree Scott, age 29, from Winnipeg, MB/ FC Kansas City (NWSL)

Kailen Sheridan, age 21, from Whitby, ON/ Sky Blue FC (NWSL)

Christine Sinclair, age 33, from Burnaby, BC/ Portland Thorns FC (NWSL)

Sarah Stratigakis, age 17, from Woodbridge, ON/ Aurora United FC (League1 Ontario)

Melissa Tancredi, age 34, from Ancaster, ON

Hannah Taylor, age 17, from Edmonds, WA/ Eastside FC

Rhian Wilkinson, age 34, from Baie d’Urfé, QC

Shelina Zadorsky, age 23, from London, ON/ Washington Spirit (NWSL)

O’Reilly has been a valuable member of FC Kansas City since 2024 when she helped to lead the Blues to their second NWSL Championship.  She scored three goals and five assists in 25 games with FCKC.

FC Kansas City head coach Vlatko Andononvski said, “HAO is one of the most incredible players that I’ve been around. Losing her at the beginning of the season won’t be easy, but I think at this point in her career it is the best thing for her.”

O’Reilly continued, “I have a lot of respect for FC Kansas City, the staff, the players, and the fans.  I also think the NWSL is an incredibly strong, competitive and quality league. For now, I want to commit myself fully to this new environment. I will have conversations about my potential future in the NWSL when those conversations need to happen. Good luck to FCKC as they begin their campaign to win another championship.”

TONI PAYNE, Midfield/Forward, Duke University 2^nd Round, 3^rd Selection, 13^th Selection Overall Payne scored 23 goals and tallied 21 assists during her collegiate career. She earned All-ACC Freshman Team honors in 2024 following a campaign that saw her score five assists and three goals, including the game winner against Miami. Her senior year she was second on the team with 24 points (nine goals, six assists).

STEPHANIE RIBEIRO, Midfield/Forward, University of Connecticut 2^nd Round, 7^th Selection, 17^th Selection Overall Ribeiro began her collegiate career at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) in 2024. She started three games and made appearances in all 19 the team played that season. After a solid 2024 season where she tallied 16 points, Ribeiro suffered an injury that caused her to miss all of 2024. She came back the in 2024 to score seven goals and eight assists, and then followed that up with a senior season that saw her starting all 23 games and scoring 21 goals and 14 assists.

ALEXIS SHAFFER, Midfield/Forward, University of Virginia 4^th Round, 5^th Selection, 25^th Selection Overall The daughter and granddaughter of two NBA players and college basketball stars, Alexis Shaffer blazed her own trail through the world of soccer stardom. She was twice named a NSCAA High School All-American, two-time Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year and the Raleigh News & Observer Player of the Year. She won a state title with her Green Hope High School, multiple club state championships and two ECNL National Championships.

At the University of Virginia, Shaffer played in every game for the Cavaliers, starting 64 of themand she scored 103 pts (37 goals, 29 assists) collegiately. In 2024 she earned a selection to the NSCAA All-Southeast Region team and All-ACC Second Team honors. She followed that up her senior year by being named a MAC Herman Trophy Semi-finalist, NSCAA All-Region First Team and NSCAA All-American First Team.

RASHIDA BEAL, Defense, University of Minnesota 5^th Round, 5^th Selection, 35^th Overall Rashida Beal is one of five children in her family. At Germantown High School in Germantown, Wisconsin, Beal was her team’s MVP, All-Area Second Team and All-Conference in 2024.

She started her collegiate career at the University of Minnesota in 2024 and played in 16 games that year. She made an appearance in three of the four game shutouts the Gophers produced in-conference. She played in 81 matches for Minnesota from 2024-2016. She was named NSCAA Second Team All-American, B1G Defender of the Year, All-Big Ten First Team and All-Great Lakes Region First Team in her senior season.

Head coach Vlatko Andonovski was very pleased with how this year’s draft turned out.

“I’m extremely happy with how the draft went and I think the players we got are all good players, but can be great players in this league and make an impact in Kansas City.”

The NWSL season begins this spring, with FC Kansas City looking to regain their championship form. For more information about the team and their draft picks, visit FCKansasCity.com

The daughter and granddaughter of two NBA players and college basketball stars, Alexis Shaffer blazed her own trail through the world of soccer stardom. She was twice named a NSCAA High School All-American, two-time Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year and the Raleigh News & Observer Player of the Year. She won a state title with her Green Hope High School, multiple club state championships and two ECNL National Championships.

At the University of Virginia, Shaffer played in every game for the Cavaliers, starting 64 of them and she scored 103 pts (37 goals, 29 assists) collegiately. In 2024 she earned a selection to the NSCAA All-Southeast Region team and All-ACC Second Team honors. She followed that up her senior year by being named a MAC Herman Trophy Semi-finalist, NSCAA All-Region First Team and NSCAA All-American First Team.

Stephanie Ribeiro grew up in the small town of Pawtucket, RI. She made a name for herself as a four-year letter winner and earned Team MVP honors her junior and senior years in high school. While at Cumberland High School, Ribeiro scored 105 goals and was named All-State and All-New England three times.

Ribeiro began her collegiate career at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) in 2024. She started three games and made appearances in all 19 the team played that season. After a solid 2024 season where she tallied 16 points, Ribeiro suffered an injury that caused her to miss all of 2024. She came back the in 2024 to score seven goals and eight assists, and then followed that up with a senior season that saw her starting all 23 games and scoring 21 goals and 14 assists.

NAME: TONI PAYNECITIZENSHIP: USA COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: DUKE UNIVERSITY POSITION: MIDFIELD/FORWARD HOMETOWN: BIRMINGHAM, AL YOUTH CLUB: CONCORDE FIRE

Payne was a three-time Birmingham News First Team All-State selection at Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham, AL. The same publication named her the Player of the Year in 2024 and 2024. Her high school career included NSCAA All-America selections as a junior and NSCAA Alabama Player of the Year as a senior.

At Duke, Payne appeared in 90 matches for the Blue Devils, starting 86 of them. She scored 23 goals and tallied 21 assists during her collegiate career. She earned All-ACC Freshman Team honors in 2024 following a campaign that saw her score five assists and three goals, including the game winner against Miami. Her senior year she was second on the team with 24 points (nine goals, six assists).

She first began her international career as part of the U-15 Girls National Team, and then was a member of the U.S. U-17 National team that won the 2024 CONCACAF U-17 Women’s Championship in Guatemala and qualified for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. This past year, Payne helped to lead the U-23 U.S. Women’s National Team to victory in the Istria Cup and Nordic Tournament.

NAME: CHRISTINA GIBBONSCITIZENSHIP: USA COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: DUKE UNIVERSITY POSITION: DEFENSE/MIDFIELD HOMETOWN: RALEIGH, NC YOUTH CLUB: CAPITAL AREA SOCCER LEAGUE

Gibbons attended Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, NC where she helped to lead her team to a state title. She also helped her ECNL team to win National Championships at the U-16 and U-17 level. She earned recognition as a three-time All-Conference, All-Region and All-State selection as a senior, junior and sophomore.

At Duke, Gibbons was the 10^th NSCAA All-American (Second Team) as a junior, then followed it up with recognition on the NSCAA All-American First Team her senior year. Started 87 of her 88 matches with the Blue Devils and earned First Team All-ACC honors three times. Her 7,794 minutes of play are the second most in school history for a field player.

Gibbons was first invited to train with the U-20 U.S. National Team in 2024. She was part of the USA squad for the 2024 U-20 World Cup and the U-23 side at the 2024 Four Nations Cup, the 2024 Istria Cup and the 2024 Nordic Tournament.

“I’m honored to be a part of the future of FCKC, whether that is on game day or in the greater Kansas City community,” said Baer. “I am fortunate to be joined by exceptional partners who want the same thing that I do, and that’s a club built for long-term stability and success in Kansas City.”

Baer added that he has spoken with Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski and supports his goal to find the right mix of players to bring his team back to championship form.

“On behalf of the league and its owners, I welcome Elam to the NWSL and look forward to working with him and his partners as a new era begins for FC Kansas City,” NWSL Commissioner Jeff Plush said. “Elam is committed to strengthening FC Kansas City’s roots throughout the entire Kansas City metropolitan area and beyond.  Elam and his partners will look to build off of what has been started by the Likens family, whose support of and many contributions to the establishment and growth of the league will never be forgotten.”

Newly named General Manager, Jean-Yves Viardin, also joins Andonovski on the Executive Staff. Viardin brings with him both executive management and playing experience.

While Andonovski puts together the most productive team on the field, Baer and Viardin will work to fill out their front office staff. The current staff has split their time between FC Kansas City and the Kansas City Comets of the Major Arena Soccer League. The Comets will remain under the ownership of Chris, Brad and Greg Likens and some of the staff will be retained by the group.

Registration for the 2024 NWSL College Draft will close on Wednesday, Jan. 11.

The latest order for the 2024 College Draft can be found here. You can also find the selections from the 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 drafts on NWSLsoccer.com.

For a complete schedule of events and more information about the 2024 NSCAA Convention, please visit the official website at nscaaconvention.com.

KANSAS CITY (Dec 14, 2024) – Google announced their 16^th Annual Year in Search list on Wednesday morning, giving us a peek into the people, moments and brands that captured our attention in 2024.

In the United States, this year’s list of Top Trending Women’s Soccer Players included FC Kansas City midfielder, Heather O’Reilly. O’Reilly is one of five players with National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) experience to make Google’s list in 2024.

According to Google: ‘Year in Search looks at the Trending terms of the year, unlike many other lists that look at the most popular terms, or use another methodology. This difference in methodology means that our lists are really a measure of growth - how much a term’s search interest has peaked in 2024, as compared to 2024, and so the terms are likely to be very different than a list of, say, most popular terms by volume, which would favor more established terms.’

O’Reilly recently retired from international competition with the U.S. Women’s National Team, but has been an integral part of FC Kansas City since arriving via trade prior to the 2024 season. She has started in every game she’s been available and has three goals and five assists for FCKC.

Oh, right, and several trips to Kansas City to continue her work with the Blues as a player and Director of Goalkeeping for the FCKC Youth Club.

“I love my job,” Barnhart said. “I get to do what I love each and every day. I don’t take any of it for granted and am thankful for each opportunity I continue to get. I may not get to reap all of the benefits of what I have worked hard to earn for the game, but I know that moving forward, I was a part of wherever it may go.”

When Barnhart started in soccer, which was not that long ago in terms of the sport that has been around for more than 150 years, she was limited to boys teams for high school and club play. However, that did not stop her from flourishing and eventually earning a spot on the Stanford Women’s Soccer Team in 2024. She was a two-time First Team All-American and later a Hall of Fame Class inductee for the Cardinal.

Since then, she has won three league professional championships and two Olympic Gold Medals for the U.S. Women’s National Team.

She is not planning to slow down anytime soon, either.

Recently, Barnhart has shifted more of her focus to coaching and spreading the opportunities that have brought her this far. This desire to grow the game led to three recent stints with U.S. Soccer as a director of the US Soccer Girls Fantasy Camp. She also spent time coaching the U.S. Girls National Team (USGNT) U14s, U15s and U16s at this year.

“I have been very blessed with my career and the opportunities afforded to me through the WNT, and even though I no longer represent the US as a player, it is a privilege to be able to step in and still wear the crest as a coach,” Barnhart said. “I really enjoy working with the youth players, and having the chance to impart my knowledge and experience on them, all while helping to train and mold the next generations of players.  It is a lot of hard work in the camps, but I love the environment, where I get to work with many great players and coaches.”

When the NWSL starts up again in April, Barnhart will return to the goal, where she has led the league in shutouts all four seasons. The two-time champion also led the league in saves this season, registering 21 more than Ashlyn Harris and Lydia Williams, while playing all 1,800 minutes. She was one of six players to earn the “Ironwoman” tag.

And naturally, even though she is still putting up praise-worthy numbers, Barnhart is most excited about her ability to continue growing the game.

“I’m excited to see how we can continue to get some of the best players in the world to realize what a great league this is and continue to want to come over here and play,” Barnhart said. “I’m excited to see the day that women can play in this league as a full-time job and make a true living getting to do what they love.”

A new voting process was put in place starting in 2024. Votes will be collected from National Team coaches and staff, WNT players who have earned a cap in 2024, members of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, U.S. Soccer’s Athlete Council, National Women’s Soccer League coaches, select college head coaches and select media members.

Please fill out the Participation Release Form for your state below and bring it with you to the camp. Kansas Participation Release Form Missouri Participation Release Form

“Getting to play in my hometown and winning two titles for this great city is more than I could have ever hoped for. I want to also thank my teammates and coaching staff for making the experience something I’ll always remember. Walking away from the game you love is never easy, but I’m excited for the new challenges that are ahead working for Fox Soccer.”

Silva is one of a handful of local talents that have played for the Blues in the first four NWSL seasons. The Overland Park, Kansas native attended Blue Valley North High School, where she set a number of program records and led the Mustangs to the 2024 state championship. She finished her career with 41 goals and 17 assists, which helped earn her scholarship to West Virginia.

She quickly found her place with the Mountaineers, appearing in all 24 matches (starting 20) and earning Big East All-Rookie Team honors in 2024. She contributed 87 points in her next three seasons, which included 15 goals and 13 assists her senior year.  West Virginia won the Big 12 Championship and she was tabbed as the conference Player of the Year.

Silva was drafted by the Blues with the 19th overall pick in 2024 and played in 18 games, starting five for the league champions. She scored two goals and had one assist her rookie year. She contributed three goals to the FCKC’s second title run in 2024. This past season, Silva started ten games and played in all but one.

“Every time we lose a player to retirement we’re filled with mixed feelings. It’s not any different this time…we are sad for losing Fran. She was an important part of this team during our most successful times and helped us to win two NWSL championships,” said head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “At the same time, we are happy for her and excited about her new opportunities.”

CHICAGO (Dec. 7, 2024) - The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) announced today the 2024 NWSL College Draft will begin at 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2024 at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Convention in Los Angeles, Calif. Previously, the college draft was slated for 1 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. CT.

2017 NWSL College Draft JW Marriott - Los Angeles at L.A. Live 900 W Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015 Thursday, Jan. 12, 2024 Start time: 3 p.m. ET Room: Diamond Ballroom

The draft will be held in the Diamond Ballroom at the JW Marriott – Los Angeles at L.A. Live and will be open to the public and media. In addition, NWSL will once again live stream the draft with more details to be announced.

The latest order for the 2024 College Draft can be found here. You can also find the selections from the 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 drafts on NWSLsoccer.com.

For a complete schedule of events and more information about the 2024 NSCAA Convention, please visit the official website at nscaaconvention.com.

In addition, five veterans of the 2024 Women’s World Cup Team and 2024 Olympic Team, who were not called in for the games against the Swiss return to the roster: defenders Julie Johnston, Meghan Klingenberg and Ali Krieger, midfielder Megan Rapinoe and forward Alex Morgan.

“Our last training camp and games with Switzerland were extremely positive in regards to giving new players a chance to perform, continuing the process of deepening the player pool and fostering competition within the squad," said Ellis. “With this dynamic mix of players, we are looking forward to the environment and to finishing off the year on a winning note.”

Tickets for the both games are on sale through ussoccer.com, including group orders of 20 tickets or more.

Tickets for the match in San Jose can also be purchased by phone at 1-800-745-3000, and at all Ticketmaster ticket centers throughout the Bay Area (including many Walmart locations). [Note: Tickets are not sold at Avaya Stadium except on the day of the event.]

Tickets for the game in the Los Angeles area can also be purchased by phone at 1-888-929-7849 and at the StubHub Center ticket office (open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position

GOALKEEPERS (3): Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

DEFENDERS (8): Abby Dahlkemper (Western New York Flash), Jaelene Hinkle (Western New York Flash), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Kristen Edmonds (Orlando Pride), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Samantha Mewis (Western New York Flash), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign), Andi Sullivan (Stanford)

FORWARDS (5): Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Kealia Ohai (Houston Dash), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Lynn Williams (Western New York Flash)

Additional Notes:

• The USA is 20-0-3 in 2024 and will try to remain unbeaten in regulation for just the third time in a calendar year in which it has played 10 or more matches. The USA went 18-0-4 in 2024 and 13-0-3 in 2024. The penalty kick loss to Sweden in the Olympics officially counts as a tie.
• Seven different players scored the USA’s nine goals in the two matches against Switzerland.
• Fourteen different players have scored for the team in 2024.

• Andi Sullivan, currently a junior at Stanford, is the only collegiate player in camp. She played for the USA in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
• 2016 NWSL Golden Boot winner Lynn Williams scored 11 times for the Western New York Flash last season, plus two more in her club’s playoff semifinal victory over the Portland Thorns and the dramatic equalizer in overtime of the championship game before her team triumphed in penalty kicks. She set a record for fastest goal in a WNT debut when she scored 49 seconds after coming on at halftime against Switzerland on Oct. 19. The record would last just four days.
• Houston Dash forward Kealia Ohai, who also scored 11 goals during the regular season, did Williams one second better, scoring 48 seconds into her debut on Oct. 23 after coming on as a substitute against Switzerland in the 81st minute. She also famously scored the game-winning goal in the 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup Final as the USA defeated Germany, 1-0, to win its third championship for that age level.
• Fourteen of the 18 players that were on the 2024 Olympic Team were named to this roster, plus two of the four alternates.

• S. captain Carli Lloyd will not be on the roster for these games as she is getting married in November.
• Alex Morgan comes into the camp with 71 career goals and needs four more to tie Cindy Parlow for seventh on the USA’s all-time goal scoring list.
• Former U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team captain Abby Dahlkemper came off the bench in both matches against Switzerland to earn her first two caps.
• Chicago Red Stars defender Casey Short started both matches against Switzerland, one at outside midfield and one at outside back, to earn her first two caps. She played 90 minutes in both games.
• First-time call-up Kristen Edmonds played professionally in Iceland and Russia after a college career at Rutgers.
• The two friendlies will mark the first matches between the USA and Romania in women’s soccer. Romania is the 51st different country the U.S. Women have played in their history.
• Romania, currently 36th in the FIFA rankings, finished second behind France in Group 3 of qualifying for the 2024 UEFA Women’s Euro, earning a spot in the playoffs against Portugal for the final berth to the 16-nation tournament being held in the Netherlands. Romania barely missed out on being one of the six best group runners-up, and thus qualifying directly for the final tournament. Russia edged Romania for the sixth spot by just one more goal scored.
• In the playoffs, Portugal and Romania drew 0-0 in the first leg in Portugal, but a 1-1 draw in Romania gave Portugal the final berth to the Euros next summer on away goals.
• The match in Northern California will mark the USA’s eighth visit to San Jose, but just the second visit to Avaya Stadium, home of the San Jose Earthquakes. The USA’s previous six matches in San Jose were all at historic Spartan Stadium.
• The USA last played at Avaya Stadium on Mother’s Day in 2024, a 3-0 win vs. the Republic of Ireland.
• The U.S. Women have never lost in San Jose, going 7-0-0 while scoring 28 goals and allowing one.
• The U.S. Women have played 20 matches in Southern California, 10 of them at StubHub Center, where the team has gone 10-0-0, scoring 37 goals and allowing just three. The most recent match was a 2-1 win vs. Australia on Sept. 16, 2024.

KANSAS CITY (Oct. 25, 2024) –

Blues head coach Vlatko Andonovski is happy for his midfielder’s new opportunity, “This is a great chance for Erika to continue to develop her game during our offseason.”

FC Kansas City recently exercised the option for Tymrak’s contract and will be looking forward to her return for the start of the 2024 NWSL season.

Midfielder Mandy Laddish is already under contract for the 2024 season after coming to terms with the Blues Monday.

The Blues declined the 2024 contract option on midfielder Molly Menchel.

Midfielders Yael Averbuch and forwards Shea Groom, Tiffany McCarty and Caroline Kastor are out of contract and have been extended new contract offers.

Following her retirement from the U.S. Women’s National Team, FCKC retains the rights to Heather O’Reilly and is in negotiations for her return in 2024.

Canada midfielder Desiree Scott along with USA forwards Amy Rodriguez, Sydney Leroux and defender Becky Sauerbrunn remain on the club’s roster as Federation Players.

Laddish was a Parade All-American at Lee’s Summit High School in Lee’s Summit, MO before heading to Notre Dame in 2024. In her freshman year, she started every match for the Fighting Irish and helped them to their third national championship.

Laddish was drafted by the Blues in the third round of the 2024 NWSL College Draft. Her rookie year was spent learning the nuances of playing central midfield from Lauren Holiday and Jen Buczkowski. In 2024, she stepped into the spotlight, playing in 16 games (13 starts) on the way to FCKC’s second NWSL championship. Despite being injured most of the season, Laddish started all but one game in 2024 and recorded the fourth-highest number of minutes played.

This offseason Laddish had surgery to fix damage to her hip. Her recovery is currently on schedule for her return by the time preseason training begins in the spring.