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USWNT Roster Update: Naomi Girma Returns, Lo’eau LaBonta Earns First Call-Up

News Editor — Tue, 20 May 2025 17:40:30 +0000

This article is published by News Journos

In a strategic move to expand the player pool ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, U.S. national team head coach Emma Hayes has announced a 24-player roster that reflects her commitment to evaluating emerging talents. The upcoming matches against China and Jamaica will provide a platform for both familiar and new faces, including players who have shown exceptional performance at the club level. The USWNT will kick off the international window on May 31 and conclude the two-game series on June 3, offering a vital opportunity for player evaluation and development.

Article Subheadings
1) New Faces in the Lineup
2) Goalkeeping Concerns
3) Key Player Recoveries
4) Strategic Experimentation
5) Ongoing Player Development

New Faces in the Lineup

The recently announced roster includes a fresh wave of talent, with Kerry Abello and Lo’eau LaBonta earning their first call-ups to the senior national team. Both players have demonstrated exceptional skill in their performances during the NWSL season, with Abello playing for the Orlando Pride, who previously won the NWSL Championship, and LaBonta excelling with the Kansas City Current, currently leading the league standings. This call-up marks an important opportunity for them to showcase their abilities on an international stage.

The inclusion of Abello, a defender, and LaBonta, a midfielder, symbolizes the commitment of Hayes to utilize the build-up to the 2027 Women’s World Cup as a crucial evaluation period. During a recent press conference, Hayes praised Abello, stating,

“She’s deserving of the call-up. She’s been consistent in everything that she has done. She’s a super player.”

This sentiment illustrates Hayes’ focus on recognizing talent that can contribute to the team’s future success.

Goalkeeping Concerns

The goalkeeper position remains a significant focus for Hayes as the USWNT looks to fortify its squad. Claudia Dickey has returned to the national team, bringing with her the possibility of earning her first start as the primary goalkeeper. Hayes noted that Dickey has been the standout performer in the NWSL this season, stating,

“The data don’t lie — Claudia Dickey’s probably the best performing goalkeeper in the NWSL this season.”

The emphasis on data-driven performance highlights the coaching staff’s commitment to making informed decisions regarding player selection.

The challenge of developing a robust pool of goalkeepers has been evident, as none of the goalkeepers in the camp have accrued significant caps. Hayes acknowledges this gap, stating,

“I’ve inherited that challenge. I didn’t make that challenge, so you’ve had a goalkeeper in Alyssa Naeher that played a lot of minutes and no one else played a lot of minutes.”

With the alarming lack of experience, Hayes aims to identify and consolidate the best goalkeeping options for upcoming competitions.

Key Player Recoveries

Alongside the new call-ups, the roster also features returning players who are crucial to the national team’s performance. Naomi Girma, the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, makes her return after recovering from a calf injury. Her presence is expected to strengthen the backline, given her proven capabilities.

Another noteworthy return is Lynn Biyendolo, who missed the April friendlies against Brazil due to a lower leg injury. With her back in form and actively starting for Seattle Reign FC, Biyendolo’s experience will be valuable in upcoming matches. Moreover, Olivia Moultrie is rejoining the squad for the first time in over a year, having last participated in the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup.

Strategic Experimentation

Hayes is utilizing this roster to experiment with player positions and formations. Notably, Gisele Thompson has been shifted to a forward position as the coaching staff assesses her potential as a winger. This adaptability in positioning reflects a tactical approach designed to maximize the strengths of individual players while preparing them for various competitive scenarios.

Hayes’ era of experimentation aligns with her larger vision for the team, which includes a significant transition period following the 2024 Olympic Games. She is careful to ensure the balance of experience and youth, capitalizing on the opportunity to provide rising talents with valuable international experience leading to the 2027 World Cup.

Ongoing Player Development

The coaching staff’s focus on developing young talents is evident as they plan for upcoming youth fixtures in Germany. The U-23 team will travel for matches that offer pivotal experiences for younger players. This includes noteworthy talents like Jaedyn Shaw, Korbin Albert, and Mia Fishel, who are expected to showcase their skills on an international platform.

Hayes explained that this commitment to youth development is essential to creating a seamless transition into the senior level:

“Yes, [Fishel] could come in and sit on the bench for us, but it’s much better for her to go and play in Germany.”

With a clear strategy in place, the USWNT is focused on ensuring that a new generation of players is prepared to compete at the highest level.

No.	Key Points
1	The USWNT’s roster features new call-ups, including Kerry Abello and Lo’eau LaBonta, highlighting a focus on talent evaluation.
2	Goalkeeping remains a critical concern, with Claudia Dickey leading the NWSL in performance metrics.
3	Several key players are making returns, including Naomi Girma and Lynn Biyendolo, enhancing the team’s depth.
4	The coaching staff is experimenting with positions and formations to optimize team performance.
5	Ongoing youth development is a priority, with upcoming U-23 matches aimed at preparing future talent.

Summary

The recent announcement of the USWNT’s roster under coach Emma Hayes signifies a deliberate shift toward evaluating emerging talents as the team prepares for major international competitions. With a blend of fresh call-ups, returning players, and a focus on experimentation and development, Hayes is laying the groundwork for a robust pipeline that aims to meet the challenges of the 2027 Women’s World Cup and beyond. As the team embarks on this crucial phase, the combination of strategic insights and talent assessment will play a pivotal role in shaping the USWNT’s competitive future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Who is included in the new USWNT roster?

The new USWNT roster includes players like Kerry Abello and Lo’eau LaBonta, who are making their first appearances in national team camps, along with returning players such as Naomi Girma and Lynn Biyendolo.

Question: What is the focus of coach Emma Hayes regarding player development?

Coach Emma Hayes is focused on expanding the player pool by integrating emerging talents and ensuring a continuous development pathway, particularly for goalkeepers ahead of future competitions.

Question: Why is the goalkeeper position a concern for the USWNT?

The goalkeeper position is concerning as none of the players in the current camp have significant experience, with most holding fewer than three caps. This lack of experience poses challenges as the team prepares for high-stakes international tournaments.

San Diego Wave FC Adapts Following Departures of Key Players Alex Morgan and Naomi Girma

News Editor — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 14:04:49 +0000

This article is published by News Journos

As San Diego Wave FC prepares for the 2025 NWSL regular season, the team is navigating through an unexpected rebuilding phase. Following a challenging 2024 season marked by a coaching change, player exits, and internal strife, the club is now looking to establish a new foundation. With newly appointed General Manager Camille Ashton Levin at the helm, the team’s focus is on a long-term strategy designed to sustain success and not just achieve fleeting triumphs.

Article Subheadings
1) Midseason Shakeups
2) Offseason Acquisitions
3) Players Writing a New Chapter
4) Look Ahead

Midseason Shakeups

The catalyst for San Diego Wave FC’s rebuild began midseason in 2024 when the team’s management unexpectedly dismissed former head coach Casey Stoney. This decision came after a frustrating seven-game winless streak, during which the team found itself languishing in ninth place and frequently struggled to create scoring opportunities. The decision, made by then-club president Jill Ellis, aimed to revitalize the flagging campaign but backfired, leading to a notable decline in player morale and a continued inability to attain playoff contention.

The situation deteriorated further when U.S. women’s national team star Alex Morgan announced her retirement midseason, revealing that she was pregnant. This added to the club’s woes, exacerbated by significant ownership changes when the Levine Leichtman Family Office acquired the team from former owner Ron Burkle in October. The season’s adversity was compounded by allegations from former employees about a toxic work environment, leading to a defamation lawsuit against Ellis by a former staff member. Although a third-party investigation concluded that the club did not violate NWSL policies, the controversy softened team dynamics significantly.

With the subsequent leadership vacuum created by Ellis’s departure and management upheaval, the Wave faced pressing questions about their identity and direction. Newly arrived General Manager Camille Ashton Levin recognized the importance of rebuilding and establishing a wholesome club culture, emphasizing the necessity for a sustainable approach to future seasons.

Offseason Acquisitions

As the Wave closed the door on a tumultuous previous season, the focus shifted to new player acquisitions during the offseason. Under Levin’s leadership, significant roster changes were made to facilitate a refresh. One of the notable moves included settling on a historic transfer fee with Chelsea FC for defender Naomi Girma, marking a significant investment in young talent. However, the team later negotiated a trade with North Carolina for Jaedyn Shaw after she expressed a desire to leave.

The coaching arena also saw pivotal changes, as the club sought stability after cycling through three different managers in one season. Initially, *Paul Buckle* served as an interim following Stoney’s dismissal, but after parting ways, Landon Donovan took over until the season’s end. A prolonged search for a permanent head coach ensued, culminating in the appointment of Jonas Eidevall, previously with Arsenal, who was chosen for his alignment with the club’s vision of nurturing players in a positive environment.

The offseason also saw the club bolster its roster by recruiting several international players. These included Nigerian internationals Favour Emmanuel and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, and Canadian veteran Adrianna Leon, a strategic pickup from Aston Villa indicative of the Wave’s commitment to diversity and depth in their squad.

Players Writing a New Chapter

Transitioning into a season with a younger roster presents challenges for San Diego Wave FC, yet Ashton identifies potential strengths in this shift. “When there’s change, you always have emerging leaders,” she observed, optimistic about the blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent. This sprawling adjustment requires not just nurturing skills on the field but also fostering leadership and teamwork among players.

Goalkeeper Kalien Sheridan, recognized as a high-caliber player and former NWSL goalkeeper of the year, exemplifies the kind of leadership the Wave will rely on through this transition. She emphasized the necessity for a forward-looking mindset and a willingness to embrace change while acknowledging past struggles. “We need to just go forward and again, remember what we’ve done, but we have to move forward,” she stated, underscoring the importance of setting new goals.

Sheridan also highlighted the potential of younger players like defender Kennedy Wesley, who has shown remarkable growth since joining the team. By cultivating this emerging talent, the Wave hopes to interlace experience with the new dynamism of younger players to create a resilient and competitive unit.

Look Ahead

Looking toward the future, the Wave’s strategic focus hinges on youth and long-term growth, even as they risk facing immediate challenges in a dynamically evolving league. The upcoming 2025 season represents a critical juncture; while there remains potential to establish a strong competitive presence, the team’s ability to implement effective play strategies will be under scrutiny. As the season unfolds, observers will closely watch how these offseason moves manifest in on-field cohesion and performance.

The stakes are undeniably high for the Wave as they seek to carve out a new identity, and the margin for error is slim. The evolution of this ambitious project remains poised on a knife’s edge as the club asks itself whether its rebuilding efforts will lead them back to championship contention or plunge them deeper into another round of struggles.

No.	Key Points
1	San Diego Wave FC is undergoing a significant rebuild following a disappointing 2024 season.
2	The dismissal of head coach Casey Stoney marked the start of this transition, compounded by player departures and management changes.
3	General Manager Camille Ashton Levin is committed to sustainable team success.
4	The club secured international players and welcomed Jonas Eidevall as its new head coach.
5	Younger players are being groomed for leadership roles within the squad as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Summary

San Diego Wave FC’s journey toward rebuilding is characterized by upheavals and new beginnings. With an emphasis on cultivating a culture of leadership and success, the new management aims to steer the franchise into a promising future. The road ahead is fraught with challenges; however, if the team can harness the potential within its ranks, they may emerge as a formidable force in the NWSL landscape once again. The ramifications of these strategic decisions and player developments will only become clearer as the 2025 season unfolds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the key changes San Diego Wave FC made during the overhaul?

The club made several pivotal changes, including hiring Jonas Eidevall as the new head coach, securing key international signings, and emphasizing youth development as part of their long-term strategy.

Question: How did the team’s previous season influence its current strategy?

The disappointing 2024 season, marked by coaching instability and player departures, prompted the team to initiate a rebuild, focusing on sustainable success rather than short-term gains.

Question: Who are the emerging leaders expected to guide the team in the future?

Veteran players like goalkeeper Kalien Sheridan and talented youngsters such as defender Kennedy Wesley are anticipated to take on leadership roles within the team as they transition into new seasons.