North Carolina Courage's Ashley Sanchez included on USWNT roster vs. Spain, Jaedyn Shaw omitted
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Ashley Sanchez, the NWSL leading goalscorer with 20 goals this season, returns to the USWNT for the first time in nearly two years ahead of friendly matches against world No. 1 Spain.
- Defender Naomi Girma and midfielder Sam Coffey also rejoin the team, though Girma may miss the games due to a training injury; notable omission includes Gotham FC’s Jaedyn Shaw, who will train with the U23 squad instead.
- Three new players—Evelyn Shores, Trinity Byars, and Pietra Tordin—along with uncapped goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz, have been called up, reflecting head coach Emma Hayes’ focus on club form and player development.
- The USWNT will face Spain on October 10 and 13, marking the first meeting between the top two ranked teams since 2022; Spain is the reigning World Cup champion, while the US holds the Olympic title.
- The matches serve as crucial preparation for the USWNT ahead of the 2027 World Cup qualifying tournament, with the team aiming to reestablish connections and test themselves against elite competition.
