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Jessica McDonald, Danielle Colaprico Headline USWNT Roster Call-Ups

Jessica McDonald

Chicago, Illinois (Oct. 26, 2018) — Danielle Colaprico fans have been screaming her name in person and through social media, trying to get the attention of U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Jill Ellis.

Colaprico was an integral part of the Chicago Red Stars trip to the post-season this year. The 25-year-old midfielder featured in 25 matches, totaling 1,996 minutes and starting 22 matches. Colaprico recorded one goal and four assists.

Jessica McDonald, Danielle Colaprico Headline USWNT Roster Call-Ups

However, Colaprico isn’t the only returning face to the USWNT.

After a stellar, championship season with the North Carolina Courage, Jessica McDonald was named to the roster on Friday. McDonald, who was named the MVP of the NWSL Championship match, started 23 out of 25 matches this season, scoring 10 goals and recording eight assists.

McDonald was one of five players from the Courage named to the roster.

Allie Long, Andi Sullivan, Merritt Mathias, and goalkeeper Adrianna Franch were returning faces named to the roster. Meanwhile, players like McCall Zerboni, Kelley O’Hara and Tierna Davidson were left off the roster due to injury and recovery.

However, there is one college athlete on the roster.

Last month, in FIFA World Cup qualifying, it was Hailie Mace from UCLA. This time, potentially set to earn her first USWNT senior cap and being called up for her first senior camp, is midfielder Emily Fox from North Carolina.

A sophomore from Ashburn, Virginia, Fox has started all 17 matches for the Tar Heels, providing four assists against Ohio State, Notre Dame and two against Pittsburgh.

What Jill Ellis Said

Ellis remained simple on what the goals are against Portugal and Scotland. Ellis expects two “solid” performances to end the 2018 season, which was, according to Ellis,” a year of working hard to take strides to improve.”

“The players, medical team and technical staff worked very hard to ensure we peaked for World Cup qualifying and got the job done, so these two friendlies will be a chance to continue that work and end this period on a high note with a good feeling of what’s to come,” Ellis said.

Ellis also noted that she wanted a “dry run” of what it will be like traveling to Europe. Next summer, the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held in France. The last World Cup to be held in Europe was in Germany in 2011.

“We love playing at home, but adjusting to the time change, recovering from international travel, traveling within Europe and playing in front of away crowds are all good experiences to prepare us for next June,” Ellis said.

Finally, Ellis said that bringing in 24 players instead of 20 was so new players can get meaningful minutes against quality opponents.

“Our core players have had a very demanding year and the priority for that group was qualifying for the World Cup,” Ellis said. “A slightly larger roster enables us to share players’ loads in training and in matches while still getting in quality minutes.”

Ellis also said another aspect of the large roster was to get a look at players that might be a potential spot for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“With two midfielders and two defenders not with us, this trip will provide a window for several other quality players to get time with the main group,” Ellis said.

The Full Roster

Below is the full roster for next month’s friendlies against Portugal on Nov. 8 in Lisbon and Nov. 13 against Scotland in Paisley.

Goalkeepers: Adrianna Franch, Alyssa Naeher, Ashlyn Harris

Defenders: Abby Dahlkemper, Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox, Merritt Mathias, Becky Sauerbrunn, Casey Short, Emily Sonnett

Midfielders: Danielle Colaprico, Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Allie Long, Samantha Mewis, Andi Sullivan

Forwards: Tobin Heath, Carli Lloyd, Jessica McDonald, Alex Morgan, Christen Press, Mallory Pugh, Megan Rapinoe

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