Jill Ellis announces U.S. women's national team roster for Rio 2016
United States women's national team manager Jill Ellis named her 18-woman roster for Rio 2016 on Tuesday, with seven players from the 2012 Olympic gold-winning side returning four years on to compete once more this summer.
Goalkeeper Hope Solo, defenders Kelley O'Hara and Becky Sauerbrunn, midfielders Carli Lloyd, Tobin Heath and Megan Rapinoe, and forward Alex Morgan highlight a team that otherwise features 11 players making their Olympic debuts.
"The last few camps capped a nine-month evaluation process and the players certainly made it a real challenge to narrow the roster down to 18," Ellis said in a statement. "We've got a great blend of players with experience at the Olympic Games and in major events along with the youthful energy of some players who did not play in the Women’s World Cup last summer.
"As a coach in the Olympic Games, you want to put together a group capable of reaching the top of the podium while also being mindful of getting players prepared for the next World Cup, and I think we've done that."
The U.S. will kick things off in Group G on Aug. 3 against New Zealand, before taking on France three days later and wrapping up the group stage against Colombia on Aug. 9.
The full roster, below:
Goalkeepers: Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)
Defenders: Whitney Engen (Boston Breakers), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City)
Midfielders: Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC)
Forwards: Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (Real Colorado)