Title: US Women’s National Soccer Team Announces December Roster: A Chance for New Talent to Shine
The US women’s national soccer team has unveiled its highly anticipated December roster, marking the first lineup since Emma Hayes was appointed as head coach. With a mix of new talent and seasoned veterans, this roster holds considerable significance as players vie for a coveted spot on the team for the upcoming Olympics.
One notable inclusion in the December roster is Ashley Hatch, the former BYU Cougar striker. This will be her third consecutive call-up to represent the national team. Despite being left off the World Cup roster earlier this year, Hatch showcased her skills in matches against Colombia and South Africa, earning her a spot on the December roster.
In a surprising move, only 13 out of the 26 players called up for December were part of the US women’s national team’s World Cup roster. This signifies a significant turnover and provides an opportunity for fresh faces to prove themselves on the international stage.
Interim coach Twila Kilgore and U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker played instrumental roles in selecting the December roster alongside head coach Emma Hayes. Kilgore emphasized the need for players to demonstrate bravery, creativity, and adaptability. She sees this call-up as a chance for athletes to showcase their skills and make a lasting impact on the team.
Young phenom Olivia Moultrie, a young Latter-day Saint athlete, has been presented with another opportunity to shine. Despite being named to the October roster without getting a chance to play, Moultrie’s potential has earned her a spot on the December roster, where she hopes to contribute to the team’s success.
In an unexpected decision, some notable veterans such as Alyssa Naeher, Becky Sauerbrunn, Crystal Dunn, and Alex Morgan were left off the December roster. Kilgore reiterated that this exclusion should not be seen as a definitive ruling for their chances of making the Olympic team. Rather, it was done for evaluation purposes, allowing the coaching staff to assess a wider range of players and their capabilities within the team dynamic.
As the US women’s national team enters this crucial phase ahead of the Olympics, all eyes will be on the new names on the roster. With the opportunity to impress the coaching staff and secure a spot on the Olympic squad, these players will leave no stone unturned in their quest for glory. Forever Sports Online will continue to cover the team’s journey as they forge a formidable lineup in their pursuit of Olympic gold.
