Ahead of this Thursday's international friendly at MAPFRE Stadium, the U.S. Women's National Team and head coach Jill Ellis have announced the 21-player roster — including WNT bedrock Heather O'Reilly, who will participate in her final match before retiring from international soccer. All 21 players were a part of the 2016 Olympic Games last month.
The match against Thailand will kick off at 8 p.m., following a pre-match ceremony to honor O'Reilly — who will also wear the captain's armband.
TICKETS: USA vs. Thailand
“We are really looking forward to both of these matches,” Ellis said to ussoccer.com. “These first games will all be players who were at the Olympics and then in October, we’ll really start to focus on the new cycle. One of the most important things in this first game against Thailand is to celebrate Heather O’Reilly’s wonderful career and honor her with a send-off befitting her tremendous contribution to our program. I am certain the fans and our players and will make sure it’s a very special day.”
READ: Get Set for the USWNT
This will be the first ever match between the USA and Thailand — the 50th different country the WNT has faced in its history.
A free and open to the public training session will take place before the game. Following Wednesday's open training, Columbus Crew SC will host a Post USWNT Training Party at 4th Street Bar and Grill — presented by Budweiser — from 8:30-10:30 p.m. with a chance to win match tickets, $2 Budweiser draft pints, half-priced appetizers, giveaways, trivia and more.
U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
DEFENDERS (7): 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), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Samantha Mewis (Western New York Flash), Heather O’Reilly (FC Kansas City), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC)
FORWARDS (4): Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (Real Colorado)
