O’Hara Named To USWNT Roster For Friendly Matches Against Russia

U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Jill Ellis has named a 24-player training camp roster for USA’s two upcoming matches against Russia. The games will take place on April 6 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas (7:30 p.m. CT; FS1 with the pre-game show starting at 7 p.m. CT) and on April 9 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston (1 p.m. CT on ESPN).

Ellis will choose 18 players for the game roster for each match. These will be the final USWNT matches before the National Women’s Soccer League kicks off its fifth historic season on April 15.

Sky Blue FC’s Kelley O’Hara has been called-up once again to the USWNT. O’Hara was most recently included in the 2017 SheBelieves Cup roster and was a substitute during USA’s 3-0 loss to France in the final game of the tournament. She is one of 19 players previously selected for the SheBelieves Cup roster in March.

Ellis has also recalled midfielder Megan Rapinoe and has given a first call-up to Boston Breakers defender Megan Oyster. Forward Amy Rodriguez and defender Meghan Klingenberg were also called up. Both attended the USWNT training camp before the SheBelieves Cup but did not make the final roster. Houston Dash forward Kealia Ohai, who earned her first three caps and scored her first USWNT goal at the end of 2016, has also been selected. Julie Johnston was not available for these matches due to her wedding and honeymoon.

The last time the USA faced Russia was in February of 2014 for two friendly matches. The USWNT defeated Russia 7-0 at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla. and 8-0 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Prior to those two games, the two squads hadn’t met since 2002 in the opening game of the Nike U.S. Women’s Cup in Uniondale, N.Y.

U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position – Texas Friendlies

GOALKEEPERS (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

DEFENDERS (6): Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC), Megan Oyster (Boston Breakers), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (Boston Breakers), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash/Manchester City), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign)

FORWARDS (7): Crystal Dunn (Chelsea FC), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride/Olympique Lyonnais, FRA), Kealia Ohai (Houston Dash), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (UCLA), Amy Rodriguez (FC Kansas City), Lynn Williams (NC Courage)