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Klingenberg Sits Out January Camp As USWNT Prepare for SheBelieves Cup

The U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Jill Ellis has named 29 players to the first training camp roster of 2017 as the USA kicks off the year with an event running from Jan. 13-23 at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Carson, California.
One familiar name to those of us here in Pittsburgh, Meghan Klingenberg, will not be a part of the January camp as she recovers from lingering injuries.
Klingenberg, who has been in Pittsburgh recently for her camp at Pittsburgh Indoor Soccer Arena (PISA) — and was seen at the Steelers game on Sunday, is expected to be available for selection for the SheBelieves Cup.

As for the USWNT, the January training camp will be a key evaluation period for Ellis to choose a squad for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup to be held in early March in Chester, PA/Harrison, NJ/Washington D.C.   As the inaugural tournament did last year – this year’s SheBelievesCup will feature four of the world’s top-five ranked teams in the USA (1), Germany (2), France (3) and England (5).
Here’s the complete roster for Training Camp:
U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (4): Jane Campbell (Stanford), Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
DEFENDERS (7): Jaelene Hinkle (Western New York Flash), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC)
MIDFIELDERS (11): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Kristen Edmonds (Orlando Pride), Christina Gibbons (Duke), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (Wisconsin), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Samantha Mewis (Western New York Flash), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC), Taylor Smith (Western New York Flash)
FORWARDS (7): Crystal Dunn (Chelsea Ladies FC, ENG), Jessica McDonald (Western New York Flash), Alex Morgan (Olympique Lyonnais, FRA), Kealia Ohai (Houston Dash), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Amy Rodriguez (FC Kansas City), Lynn Williams (Western New York Flash)

“The players have had a good break since our last games in November, and I know everyone is anxious to get back to work,” said Ellis. “January Camp has always been valuable to set the tone for the upcoming year and it will be good for the players to get back on the field. For the staff, evaluation and performance remain the focal points during camp as we begin a build up to the SheBelieves Cup.”

NO HOPE, AND NO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

Two interesting notes in light of the roster announcement include Hope Solo and the collective bargaining agreement.

  • Solo, the USWNT’s embattled goalkeeper who was suspended for six months and not eligible to return until February will not be part of camp, and likely not part of the Ellis’ plans going forward.  She is now 35, and with the next major tournament not taking place until 2019 (World Cup) — it’s likely that Ellis will start looking at all other goalkeeper options.

Building for 2019, we were committed post-Olympics to give significant time to both Alyssa (Naeher) and Ashlyn (Harris). They had great club seasons and needed to see time in full internationals,” said Ellis.

“I am pleased with where we are at, but we are also invested in looking at some of the bright young ‘keepers to deepen our pool. The SheBelieves Cup in March will give us top quality games to see them under greater pressure.

  • Last week, after its contract expired U.S. Women’s National Team players association announced it has parted ways with its chief legal counsel, Rich Nichols.   At the moment, USWNTPA and U.S. Soccer will continue to operate under the Collective Bargaining Agreement in its current form as negotiations continue into the new year.

 

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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