United States women’s national team interim manager Twila Kilgore has named a 27-player roster for the two friendly matches against South Africa, with Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz included for the final time.
Legendary duo Rapinoe and Ertz previously announced their retirement from professional football, with Rapinoe concluding her career at the end of the 2023 NWSL season and Ertz following the USWNT’s elimination from the World Cup. But US Soccer will honor the pair in the upcoming games given their dedication and commitment to the USWNT over a 10-year span.
The Americans will first host South Africa on September 21 in Cincinnati, before playing in Chicago on September 24. The two friendlies will be the first time USWNT has returned to action since being shockingly eliminated by Sweden in the World Cup’s round of 16.
All players who featured in the international tournament have been called up to the September roster, except Sophia Smith who is currently sidelined by an injury.
"As we continue the search for our new head coach, we felt it was best to call up all of World Cup players who are fit to play, while also bringing in some players that we believe can help us moving forward as we start our preparations for the Olympics next year," Matt Crocker, US soccer sporting director said.
"We're looking forward to having the opportunity to honor the players who have decided to retire but also know these games are valuable as the first steps towards Paris. Once the new head coach comes in, that individual will assess the player pool and make roster decisions that will be focused on building a team for the future."
Kilgore has expanded the player pool, with Mia Fishel and Jaedyn Shaw expected to earn their first official cap for USWNT, while Ashley Hatch and Tierna Davidson also return to the fold after failing to make the final World Cup roster.
USWNT 27-player roster to play South Africa
Goalkeepers
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This article was originally published on 90min as USWNT confirm 27-player roster for South Africa friendlies.
