"As it happens, Wilson was "not ready" following the birth of her child, according to Hayes. Mallory Swanson isn't in the roster either, following the birth of her child, which makes Trinity Rodman the lone present member of the Triple Espresso frontline. Toss in the injured Catarina Macario, and you have a USWNT attack that's far from full strength."
"Ahead of next summer's Women's World Cup, Hayes is continuing to evaluate the player pool, even going so far as to call in two players who made their debut in January's camp. Add in a fierce competition for the starting left back spot -- one formalized by Crystal Dunn's retirement -- and there's little doubt that World Cup roster spots are up for grabs in the outfield."
"With Hayes eyeing this three-game window as a way to "replicate the group stage of a FIFA tournament," the stakes at the SheBelieves Cup could be high for the players who haven't yet solidified their standing with the team."
Coach Emma Hayes selected a USWNT roster for the SheBelieves Cup with several notable absences, including Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson following childbirth, plus injured Catarina Macario. This creates opportunities for less experienced players to prove themselves. Hayes is using the three-game tournament to evaluate the broader player pool and replicate World Cup group stage conditions. Eight outfield players with fewer than seven caps were called up, alongside three inexperienced goalkeepers competing to eventually replace retiring Alyssa Naeher. The competition for starting left back intensified following Crystal Dunn's retirement. World Cup roster spots remain contested, particularly in the outfield, as Hayes continues assessing talent ahead of next summer's tournament.
Read at ESPN.com
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