USWNT HC Jill Ellis was at the NWSL semi-final in Portland last night and today named her team for the tourney. These games are to be held Oct. 4-17 beginning at the home field of last night's victors, NC Courage. Fully half of this team was on it last time in 2014. This Championship will have 8 teams, divided into 2 equal groups, and the top 2 advancing to the semis, both finalists and the 2nd runner up make the FIFA World Cup, team #4 will enter a playoff v Argentina, #3 in South America for the last spot. There is a local flavor to the team with Crystal Dunn a star forward for Long Island legend, Paul RIely in the NWSL in as a defender, Kelly O'Hara formerly of Sky Blue and current Sky Blue player Carli Lloyd. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher took a knock late in the game yesterday and is still on the roster. Sadly absent is the little used Allie Long of Long Island still starring for her team in the NWSL.
Coach Ellis stated, "We feel really good about the process that has gotten us to this point. We've had a couple of injuries recently but the depth of our pool is excellent."
See the games as Oct. 4, the US takes on Mexico at 7:30 p.m. ET, Panama Oct. 7 @ 5p.m. ET, TNT Oct. 10 @7:30p.m. ET then on to the semis, I hope. These games may be seen across the FOX Sports family of networks, including live streamed on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app.
Having ten with past experience in FIFA World Cup qualifying is a great advantage and the depth is evidenced by, Carli Lloyd in her 4th, while Alex Morgan and Becky Sauerbrunn are in their 3rd go rounds.