Naomi Girma Returns to the United States Women’s National Team
Defender Naomi Girma will rejoin the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) next week, marking her return following her record transfer to Chelsea in January.
Girma, who was the most expensive signing in the world with a value of 1.1 million dollars, could play again with the USWNT for the first time since December, if she participates in the matches against China on May 31 or against Jamaica on June 3.
USWNT coach Emma Hayes described Girma as “the best defender I’ve ever seen” during last year’s successful campaign that culminated in the Olympic gold medal. The player has recovered from an injury and contributed to Chelsea winning the Women’s Super League title and the FA Cup in England.
Girma was at the USWNT camp in January, before her transfer to Chelsea from San Diego Wave FC, but withdrew due to a calf injury that had affected her in the previous months.
Coach Hayes continues to experiment with the team, seeking solutions in different positions.
Kerry Abello, Orlando Pride defender, and Lo’eau LaBonta, Kansas City Current midfielder, have been called up to the senior national team for the first time.
A total of twenty-seven players have received their first call-up since Hayes took office in November 2023.
LaBonta, 32, could become the oldest player to debut for the USWNT in its 40-year history if she plays in any of the upcoming matches. The last time LaBonta played for a United States youth team was 14 years ago. She is currently the captain of Kansas City, the team that leads the NWSL.
“Everyone earns their call-up, but there are some very deserved calls in this camp for players who have shown consistency in the league,” Hayes stated.
Emma Hayes
Hayes has also been experimenting in goal, with the addition of Claudia Dickey, goalkeeper for Seattle Reign FC, to this training camp. Dickey is also uncapped. She participated in the team’s January camp this year, but did not play any matches.
The USWNT is in its most competitive moment for the starting goalkeeper position, following the recent international retirement of Alyssa Naeher, who was the long-time starter.
Forward Lynn Biyendolo (formerly Williams), who missed the April matches against Brazil due to injury, and 19-year-old midfielder Olivia Moultrie, who has led the recent good form of the Portland Thorns, also return to the USWNT call-up. Moultrie last played for the United States in the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup.
Hayes’ latest call-up includes 17 players from the NWSL, and seven players, including captain Lindsey Heaps, will join from Europe at the end of the season.
Emily Fox, Arsenal defender, will join the USWNT camp after the UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona in Lisbon.
“Now that everyone has adapted to a rhythm with their clubs, or are coming directly from their European seasons, our players are at a good level,” Hayes said.
Emma Hayes
According to the United States Soccer Federation, 19-year-old Gisele Thompson, who has played primarily as a full-back for Angel City and with the United States, will play as a winger in this camp, joining her 20-year-old sister, Alyssa, in the forward group. Gisele Thompson is one of four teenagers in the call-up.
The United States will play against China on May 31 at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, and then against Jamaica on June 3 at Energizer Park in St. Louis.
Originally, China was going to play against the USWNT in both matches, but the Chinese Football Association informed the United States Soccer Federation that their women’s national team would only be able to play the first match.
Becky Sauerbrunn, a St. Louis native, former defender and captain of the USWNT, who won two World Cups and an Olympic gold medal, will be honored before the match against Jamaica. She retired at the end of 2024.
United States Women’s National Team Roster Announced for May/June Matches Against China and Jamaica
GOALKEEPERS (3): Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 0), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 3), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, ENG; 1)
DEFENDERS (8): Kerry Abello (Orlando Pride; 0/0), Crystal Dunn (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 159/25), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 66/1), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG; 44/2), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit; 5/0), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 2/0), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 3/0), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC; 107/2)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 33/1), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 165/37), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 2/0), Lo’eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current; 0/0), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 5/2), Lily Yohannes (Ajax, NED; 6/1)
FORWARDS (7): Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign FC; 78/22), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current; 4/1), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG; 23/10), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville; 4/1), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals; 7/2), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC; 17/1), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 3/0)
