Five North Carolina Courage players are among the 29 players named to the US Women’s National Team 2017 January Camp Roster. Samantha Mewis, Lynn Williams, Jaelene Hinkle, Jessica McDonald and USWNT first-timer Taylor Smith will train from Jan. 13-23 at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Carson, California. “I’m really excited for the first USWNT camp of 2017. It’s a new year and a new cycle and I’m honored to have been invited,” said Sam Mewis. “My hope is that I can perform well and get the year started in strong form. I’ve been working very hard during my off time and am really looking forward to seeing how it pays off. There are a lot of really talented players coming in so it’s a great opportunity for me to play at the highest level and gain more experience.” USWNT head coach Jill Ellis named 29 players to the roster on Jan. 4, 2017. The training camp will give Ellis the opportunity to evaluate all 29 players before selecting a squad for upcoming SheBelieves Cup. “The players have had a good break since our last games in November, and I know everyone is anxious to get back to work,” said Ellis. “January Camp has always been valuable to set the tone for the upcoming year and it will be good for the players to get back on the field. For the staff, evaluation and performance remain the focal points during camp as we begin a build up to the SheBelieves Cup.” Read U.S. Soccer’s full release here.
U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (4): Jane Campbell (Stanford), Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
DEFENDERS (7): Jaelene Hinkle (North Carolina Courage), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC) MIDFIELDERS (11): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Kristen Edmonds (Orlando Pride), Christina Gibbons (Duke), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (Wisconsin), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Samantha Mewis (North Carolina Courage), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC), Taylor Smith North Carolina Courage) FORWARDS (7): Crystal Dunn (Chelsea Ladies FC, ENG), Jessica McDonald (Western New York Flash), Alex Morgan (Olympique Lyonnais, FRA), Kealia Ohai (Houston Dash), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Amy Rodriguez (FC Kansas City), Lynn Williams (North Carolina Courage) About North Carolina Courage
The North Carolina Courage is a professional women’s soccer team that plays in the NWSL. NC Courage, the reigning NWSL champion, plays their home games at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC. For more information, please visit www.www.nccourage.com or follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
