U.S. Women`s National Team head coach Emma Hayes is continuing her efforts to expand and strengthen the USWNT player pool. As part of this initiative, a 20-player roster has been selected for a training camp and two friendly matches taking place in Germany.
The two games are scheduled to be played near Stuttgart on May 30 and June 2. These upcoming matches represent the first fixtures for the revamped U-23 program under coach Hayes for the 2025 cycle.
Speaking about the opportunity, Hayes commented, “This provides a fantastic chance for our U-23 players to compete against top European opposition, giving them essential experience. We are focused on player development through varied experiences. As I`ve mentioned before, this means some players will feature in U-23 games, while others will be called up to the senior WNT. This strategy allows us to expose them to a diverse range of high-level opponents, while ensuring the coaching philosophy and methods remain consistent across teams.”
The U-23 squad will be guided by its own dedicated coaching staff. University of New Mexico head coach Heather Dyche will lead the team, supported by assistant coaches Yolanda Thomas (Orlando Pride assistant coach), Stephanie Cox (a 2008 Olympic gold medalist and former USWNT player), and Louis Hunt (U.S. Youth National Team and former San Diego Wave goalkeeper coach).
The 20-player roster includes 15 athletes who meet the standard U-23 age requirement. Following an agreement with Germany and in line with European U23 regulations, each team is permitted to include up to five `over-age` players, defined as those born before January 1, 1999.
The roster features 16 players from the NWSL and three professionals playing for European clubs, alongside one active collegiate player, midfielder Evelyn Shores from the University of North Carolina.
Notably, ten players named to the roster have scored in the NWSL during the current season. These include Jordyn Bugg and Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC), Lilly Reale and Sarah Schupansky (Gotham FC), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave), Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage), Caiya Hanks (Portland Thorns FC), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC), Makenna Morris (Washington Spirit), and Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC).
U.S. U-23 WNT Roster for Germany
- Goalkeepers (2): Angelina Anderson (Angel City FC; Danville, Calif.), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; Fairfax, Va.)
- Defenders (6): Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; El Cajon, Calif.), Lauren Flynn (Utah Royals FC; Arlington, Va.), Emily Mason (Seattle Reign FC; Flemington, N.J.), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; Hingham, Mass.), Evelyn Shores (UNC; Atlanta, Ga.), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave; Rossmoor, Calif.)
- Midfielders (6): Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain FC, FRA; Grayslake, Ill.), Abi Brighton (Juventus FC, ITA; Beaufort, S.C.), Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage; Roswell, Ga.), Samantha Meza (Seattle Reign FC; Balch Springs, Texas), Sarah Schupansky (Gotham FC; Pittsburgh, Pa.), Jaedyn Shaw (North Carolina Courage; Frisco, Texas)
- Forwards (6): Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC; Edina, Minn.), Mia Fishel (Chelsea FC, ENG; San Diego, Calif.), Caiya Hanks (Portland Thorns FC; Kailua-Kona, Hawaii), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC; Beltsville, Md.), Makenna Morris (Washington Spirit; Germantown, Md.), Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC; Voorhees, N.J.)
