May 31, 2025; St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; U.S. Women’s National Team defender Naomi Girma (4) defends against China PR defender Zhang Xin (6) during the first half at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
On Wednesday, November 19, the excitement was palpable as the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team announced its final roster for 2025. This carefully selected squad of 26 players is gearing up to face Italy’s national team in a pair of friendly matches in sunny Florida. With the U.S. currently sitting at No. 2 in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings and Italy climbing steadily to No. 12, fans can look forward to an exciting showdown filled with talent and passion.
The roster:
Goalkeepers: Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 4), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 4), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; 0)
Defenders: Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; 4/0), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 69/1), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG; 48/2), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 8/1), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; 4/0), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current; 1/1), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 6/0), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC; 112/2), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave; 1/0), Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit; 0/0)
Midfielders: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit; 4/0), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 41/5), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 167/38), Jaelin Howell (Gotham FC; 5/1), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 9/1), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 115/26), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 11/1)
Forwards: Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars; 0/0), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG; 27/13), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 10/4), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville; 11/4), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC; 29/8), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC, ENG; 24/3)
Notable additions:
As dedicated followers of the women’s national team are aware, head coach Emma Hayes has been cycling through a diverse group of talented players over the past year. This approach has given many athletes, ranging from veterans to newcomers, the opportunity to step into the spotlight and showcase their skills. Yet, with the end of 2025 nearing and significant events like the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon, the roster is beginning to take a more defined shape. Some notable inclusions this time around are:
- Naomi Girma: A familiar face back in the lineup after battling injuries. Girma has only participated in four of the USWNT’s 13 matches this year, making her return all the more significant.
- Jaelin Howell: Making her comeback to the national squad after two years away, Howell, once the first pick in the NWSL draft, has reignited her career with standout performances at NJ/NY Gotham FC, giving her another shot to shine on the international stage.
- Jameese Joseph: This rising star is being called up for the first time after an impressive season where she finished as the second-highest scorer with the Chicago Stars. Her hard work has finally paid off, and fans are eager to see what she can do.
Notable absences:
- Trinity Rodman: Constantly in the news for various reasons, Rodman will be sitting this match out mainly due to a persistent back injury and her upcoming participation in the NWSL Championship. Given her recent performance levels, it’s not difficult to understand why she holds a nearly guaranteed roster spot when fit, so we’ll eagerly anticipate her next appearance.
- Phallon Tullis-Joyce: Sadly sidelined with a facial injury she picked up during a match with Manchester United, Tullis-Joyce’s absence opens the door for another player—Jordan Silkowitz, who is set to make her debut as an uncapped goalie for Bay FC.
Other quick facts:
- The roster features two players getting their first call-ups (Joseph and Silkowitz) and another uncapped player, Kate Wiesner.
- The average age of the team stands at 24.8, which is a slight increase from previous rosters earlier this year.
- Seven chosen players are coming directly from the NWSL Championship, including five from NJ/NY Gotham FC (Lilly Reale, Emily Sonnett, Jaedyn Shaw, Jaelin Howell, and Rose Lavelle) and two from the Washington Spirit (Kate Wiesner and Croix Bethune).
- Only three players on the roster are over 30 years old: Lindsey Heaps, Rose Lavelle, and Emily Sonnett, reflecting a youthful team ready to make its mark.
