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Ellis calls up some new faces as USWNT travel to Europe

By Jordan Small

CARY, NC - OCTOBER 07: Emily Sonnett #2 of the USA dribbles in the open field against Panama during the soccer game at WakeMed Soccer Park on October 7, 2018 in Cary, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CARY, NC - OCTOBER 07: Emily Sonnett #2 of the USA dribbles in the open field against Panama during the soccer game at WakeMed Soccer Park on October 7, 2018 in Cary, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /
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The USWNT are in Europe to play their final two games of 2018. Here’s what to watch out for ahead of their match with Portugal.

The USWNT are facing Portugal for the first time since 2001, and are returning to the country for the first time since 2015. Up until 2015, the USWNT played annually in the Algarve Cup, but this will be the first time the country has played in the capital of Lisbon. This will be the first match the U.S. has played since winning the CONCACAF Championship and qualifying for the World Cup. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 8.

Christen Press and Tobin Heath both ruled out

Christen Press and Tobin Heath will both miss the final two games of the calendar year. Heath played a big part in the CONCACAF qualifying tournament for the U.S. last month, starting four of five matches, while Press made two appearances, including one start.

Heath’s absence will have the greater impact, since she’s clearly part of Jill Ellis’ preferred starting XI. Expect Mallory Pugh to get more playing time with Heath and Press out of the lineup. Pugh fits best into the winger spot in the 4-3-3 formation the U.S. play.

Who gets the look at right-back?

Kelley O’Hara started at right-back in four of the five games for the U.S. in World Cup qualifying. However, she wasn’t called up for this trip after undergoing surgery on her ankle at the end of October. She could miss up to 12 weeks.

That leaves a big hole at right-back for the USWNT. Emily Sonnett is the next logical choice. While she’s naturally a center-back, and plays there for her club team, Ellis seems to like her ability to get forward and therefore has kept her at outside back.

Merritt Mathias is another possibility at right-back, a position she plays for her club team, the North Carolina Courage. She’s also uncapped, so this trip might be a good time for her to get a look before the World Cup roster starts to be formed.

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A mix of new and returning faces

Six players that weren’t on the World Cup qualifying roster made the roster for the Europe trip. Danielle Colaprico, Merritt Mathias and Emily Fox are the uncapped players, while Jessica McDonald, Andi Sullivan and Allie Long return after missing out on qualifiers.

This call-up marks the first senior team roster for University of North Carolina sophomore Emily Fox. Danielle Colaprico and Merritt Mathias have been called up to camps in the past, but both are still searching for their first caps. Andi Sullivan and  Mathias are the most likely to get significant playing time in this camp, but others might get opportunities off the bench.

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