US women's soccer team adding new players for final games of the year

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CHICAGO (AP) — The U.S. women's national soccer team will give some younger and less experienced players an opportunity in a pair of exhibition matches against China next month.

Veterans Alex Morgan, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alyssa Naeher and Crystal Dunn won't be with the team for the games against China on Dec. 2 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and on Dec. 5 outside of Dallas.

Instead, interim head coach Twila Kilgore's 26-player roster announced Monday includes midfielder Jenna Nighswonger, who plays for Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League, and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Korbin Albert. It is the first national team call-up for both players.

Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie, who has yet to appear in a match, also joins the team.

Kilgore chose the roster in consultation with U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker and Emma Hayes, the new head coach who will join the team in May after finishing out the season with Chelsea.

“We value these players who have recently been in camps or played in the World Cup and were not chosen for this roster, and they are of course still a part of our pool, but we know what they bring on and off the field," Kilgore said in a statement. "At the same time, we also need to continue to evaluate and bring along players in the right ways to give the team the best chance for success.”

Returning to the team is veteran defender Abby Dahlkemper, who had back surgery in October 2022.

The roster by position with club affiliation:

Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage).

Defenders: Alana Cook (OL Reign), Abby Dahlkemper (San Diego Wave), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars), Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Casey Krueger (Chicago Red Stars), M.A. Vignola (Angel City).

Midfielders: Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Jenna Nighswonger (Gotham), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign).

Forwards: Mia Fishel (Chelsea), Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Midge Purce (Gotham), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City), Lynn Williams (Gotham FC).

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer