US Soccer released the roster of players called into the USWNT’s next camp, which will be held in New Jersey, from May 10th to the 25th, prior to the team’s friendly versus China, which is on May 27th. Twenty-eight players were called up, including first-timers Adrianna Franch (goalkeeper) and Gina Lewandowski (centerback). Not included in the roster is Christen Press who was invited (per her interview in this video), but was presumably not released by her club, K/Göteborg FC.
Adrianna “AD” Franch is a 5’8″ goalkeeper who plays for Oklahoma State, where she will be a senior next fall. The USA will be taking three goalkeepers to the Olympics, two on the official roster and one as an alternate. Franch could be in the running as an alternate if one of the more experienced USWNT ‘keepers are injured or otherwise unavailable.
Centerback Gina Lewandowski just turned 27 last month and has played for FFC Frankfurt, along side fellow American Ali Krieger, since 2007. (FFC Frankfurt bio, in German) Lewandowski would seem to have a long shot at even being an alternate, unless one of the primary centerbacks — Christie Rampone, Rachel Buehler, Becky Sauerbrunn, or Whitney Engen — is injured or otherwise not available. However, Amy LePeilbet is more naturally a centerback, so that is another option
During the camp, Christen Press’ club plays two Damallsvenskan league matches and a domestic cup match (schedule, in Swedish, here). So far, this year, K/Göteborg FC is 3-0-1 (W-L-T) in league matches when Press has played (all starts). Press has missed one league match this year, which K/Göteborg FC lost 2:1. Also, in each league match that she has played, Press has scored at least one goal (2, 1, 2, 1).
It is possible that Press could be called up for the China friendly, as that is during an international match window. But that likelihood seems low.
What this means for Press’ chances of making the Olympic roster remains to be seen. The USA still has its two matches versus Sweden and Japan, in Sweden, which Press could be called up for, as those are in another international window.
Also, Press not being listed highlights one of the shortcomings of these roster announcements: Only the call-ups who are available to attend get publicly listed, so the inclusion or exclusion of a certain player, especially from a single roster does not necessarily denote a shift in preference.
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GOALKEEPERS (5): Nicole Barnhart, Adrianna Franch, Ashlyn Harris, Jill Loyden, Hope Solo
DEFENDERS (10): Rachel Buehler, Stephanie Cox, Whitney Engen, Meghan Klingenberg, Amy LePeilbet, Gina Lewandowski, Heather Mitts, Kelley O’Hara, Christie Rampone, Becky Sauerbrunn
MIDFIELDERS (9): Shannon Boxx, Tobin Heath, Lori Lindsey, Carli Lloyd, Kristie Mewis, Heather O’Reilly, Megan Rapinoe, Amy Rodriguez, Keelin Winters
FORWARDS (4): Lauren Cheney, Sydney Leroux, Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach
Source: US Soccer.
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