NWSL standouts LaBonta, Abello named to USWNT roster for friendlies

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Emma Hayes Names USWNT Roster for Upcoming Friendlies Featuring First-Time Call-Ups"

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TruthLens AI Summary

US women's national team head coach Emma Hayes has announced a 24-player roster for two upcoming friendlies during the international window, highlighting the inclusion of first-time call-ups from the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Among these newcomers are Kansas City Current midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta and Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello, both of whom have showcased exceptional performance in their respective teams. Hayes praised LaBonta for her deserving call-up and mentioned that Abello has been one of the most consistent players in the league. Additionally, Claudia Dickey, the goalkeeper from Seattle Reign, joins the roster for her first opportunity with the national team, underscoring the depth of talent emerging from the NWSL this season.

The roster also reflects some notable omissions, as Mia Fishel and midfielders Korbin Albert and Jaedyn Shaw will be participating with the US U-23 national team instead. Furthermore, the squad will miss forward Mallory Swanson, who recently announced her pregnancy, and Trinity Rodman, who is managing a back injury. Hayes emphasized the importance of Rodman's recovery, noting that a multidisciplinary approach is being taken to ensure her long-term health. Returning to the national team is Naomi Girma, who joins after a successful season with Chelsea, where she won a domestic treble alongside Catarina Macario. The USWNT's friendlies will take place against China in St. Paul, Minnesota, on May 31, followed by a match against Jamaica in St. Louis on June 3, providing an opportunity for both seasoned players and newcomers to showcase their skills on the international stage.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The announcement regarding the US women’s national team (USWNT) roster for upcoming friendlies highlights several key players, including first-time call-ups and notable absences. This news serves multiple purposes, such as promoting player recognition and engaging fans in the evolving landscape of women's soccer.

Promoting Player Recognition

The call-ups of Lo’eau LaBonta, Kerry Abello, and Claudia Dickey to the national team spotlight the achievements of players in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Their inclusion reflects the league's growing prominence and the increasing scrutiny on player performances. By acknowledging these players, the coach, Emma Hayes, aims to bolster the confidence of both the athletes and the fans, showcasing that hard work and consistency can lead to national recognition.

Creating a Narrative of Growth

Hayes’ comments on LaBonta and Abello being deserving of their call-ups not only praise the players but also create an encouraging narrative around the USWNT’s future. This narrative serves to inspire younger players and fans alike, suggesting that the pathway to the national team is achievable through dedication and skill. The emphasis on LaBonta’s deservingness highlights a commitment to rewarding talent emerging from the league, which may resonate well with supporters of women's sports.

Addressing Absences and Injuries

The mention of absences, such as Mallory Swanson's pregnancy and Trinity Rodman's injury, provides insight into the challenges the team faces. This transparency may help mitigate disappointment among fans while also emphasizing the importance of player health and well-being over immediate competitive needs. Such an approach fosters a sense of understanding and empathy within the community, ensuring that the focus remains on long-term player development and care.

Potential Impact on Women's Soccer

The article's release coincides with a broader movement in women's sports, where visibility and recognition are critical for growth. By highlighting new talent and maintaining a narrative of resilience among absentees, the news contributes to elevating women's soccer's status both domestically and internationally. This strategic communication can lead to increased support from fans and sponsors, ultimately impacting the sport's economic viability.

Community Engagement and Support

This announcement is likely to resonate with fans who follow the NWSL and the USWNT closely. Supporters of women's soccer, particularly those invested in the careers of LaBonta, Abello, and Dickey, may feel a sense of pride and excitement about the future of the team. The article aims to engage these communities, encouraging them to rally around the players and the national team.

Market and Economic Considerations

While the announcement primarily focuses on sports, it has implications for the market. Increased visibility of women's soccer can influence sponsorship opportunities and investments in related sectors, including sports apparel and media rights. Investors and companies associated with women's sports may find this news relevant as it reflects the rising popularity and potential market value of the NWSL and the USWNT.

Assessment of Reliability

The article appears to be reliable, primarily because it reports on official announcements from the national team coach and provides factual information about player selections and absences. The language used is straightforward and devoid of sensationalism, aiming instead to inform and engage. While the piece does not delve into deeper issues within the women's sports landscape, its focus on team dynamics and player recognition contributes positively to the discourse around women's soccer.

Unanalyzed Article Content

US women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes has named a 24-player squad that will play two friendlies during the next international window. The squad is notable for first-time call-ups from two of the best teams in recent NWSL seasons: Kansas City Current midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta and Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello. Claudia Dickey, goalkeeper for Seattle Reign, has also received her first call-up to the national team.

“First of all I think she’s deserving of the call-up. It’s the right moment to do it,” Hayes said of LaBonta said on Tuesday, adding that she thought Abello has been one of the most consistent performers for one of the NWSL’s best teams and that Dickey has been “the best performing goalkeeper in the NWSL this season.”

There are also some notable absences from the squad. Hayes confirmed that forward Mia Fishel and midfielders Korbin Albert and Jaedyn Shaw would instead be joining the US U-23 national team for their two friendlies against Germany. That roster is expected to be announced in full later this week.

Aside from that, the team includes familiar names. However, they will be without forward Mallory Swanson, whorecently announcedshe is pregnant with her first child and thus will miss the 2025 NWSL season, as well as Trinity Rodman, who istaking time away from the fieldto tend to an ongoing back injury.

“It’s certainly been a multidisciplinary approach with Trin,” Hayes said of the player’s recovery. “She wants to get to a place where it doesn’t keep coming back. I think these are the right steps for her. Unfortunately you can’t put a timeframe on it, because we want to make sure she’s not carrying that pain any further.”

Naomi Girma also returns to the team after her big-money move to Chelsea, where she recently capped a strong season with adomestic treblealongside fellow call-up, forward Catarina Macario. Arsenal defender Emily Fox is expected to join the team straight after playing in the Uefa women’s Champions League final against Barcelona on 24 May.

The US will start off the international window with a friendly against China at Allianz Field in St Paul, Minnesota on 31 May, before heading to St Louis to play Jamaica at Energizer Park on 3 June.

Goalkeepers: Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC) Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United).

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Defenders: Kerry Abello (Orlando Pride), Crystal Dunn (Paris Saint-Germain), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash, Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC).

Midfielders: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Lo’eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC), Lily Yohannes (Ajax).

Forwards: Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign FC), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC).

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Source: The Guardian