Hayes Announces 26-Player USWNT Roster for Italy Matches in Florida

Emma Hayes, the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), has announced a 26-player roster for two matches against Italy, a semifinalist in the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro. These matches are scheduled to take place in Florida, completing the USA’s 2025 schedule.

Details of the Matches Against Italy

The USWNT will face Italy on November 28 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, home of the NWSL Champions, the Orlando Pride, and again on December 1 at Chase Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, the home of Inter Miami CF. Both matches are set to start at 7 p.m. ET, with coverage available in English and Spanish across various platforms including TNT and Peacock.

Player Roster Overview

The roster includes a mix of experienced players and newcomers. Notably, Olympic gold medalist Naomi Girma returns after overcoming injuries. The squad underwent significant changes from those that played in previous matches, with some first-time call-ups included.

• Goalkeepers:
  • Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 4 caps)
  • Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 4 caps)
  • Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; 0 caps)
• Defenders:
  • Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; 4 caps)
  • Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 69 caps)
  • Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG; 48 caps)
  • Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 8 caps)
  • Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; 4 caps)
  • Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current; 1 cap)
  • Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 6 caps)
  • Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC; 112 caps)
  • Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave; 1 cap)
  • Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit; 0 caps)
• Midfielders:
  • Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit; 4 caps)
  • Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 41 caps)
  • Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 167 caps)
  • Jaelin Howell (Gotham FC; 5 caps)
  • Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 9 caps)
  • Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 115 caps)
  • Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 11 caps)
• Forwards:
  • Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars; 0 caps)
  • Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG; 27 caps)
  • Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 10 caps)
  • Emma Sears (Racing Louisville; 11 caps)
  • Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC; 29 caps)
  • Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC, ENG; 24 caps)

Team Composition and Experience

This roster features a blend of young talent and seasoned players, with an average age of 24.8 years. The players have an average of 27.5 caps each, a slight increase compared to previous matches. Of interest, a significant number of players on the roster previously competed in FIFA youth World Cups.

Historical Context

The upcoming matches hold historical significance, as Italy was the opponent for the first-ever USWNT match in 1985. The USA leads their head-to-head record, having won 10 out of their 15 encounters. These games are their first against Italy in 15 years, reviving a competitive rivalry.

As the team prepares for these important matches, Hayes emphasized the value of competing with top European teams, stating that it allows for an honest assessment of the team’s growth.

Tickets for both games are available through ussoccer.com, marking an exciting way to close out a year of significant developments for the USWNT.