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USWNT April roster drop: Guide to the friendlies vs the Republic of Ireland

By Caden Charpentier

KASHIMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 05: Julie Ertz #8 of United States shots the ball during the Olympic football bronze medal match between United States and Australia at Kashima Stadium on August 05, 2021 in Kashima, Ibaraki, Japan. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images)
KASHIMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 05: Julie Ertz #8 of United States shots the ball during the Olympic football bronze medal match between United States and Australia at Kashima Stadium on August 05, 2021 in Kashima, Ibaraki, Japan. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images) /
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United States forward Mallory Pugh (9) celebrates her goal against Uzbekistan goalkeeper Laylo Tilovova (1) during the 1st half of their game at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio on April 9, 2022.Uswnt Kwr 17
United States forward Mallory Pugh (9) celebrates her goal against Uzbekistan goalkeeper Laylo Tilovova (1) during the 1st half of their game at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio on April 9, 2022.Uswnt Kwr 17 /

With two matches slated against Ireland, the USWNT has its last preparation for the long-awaited FIFA Women’s World Cup this in July and August.

For the final time before the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Vlatko Andonovski has named his USWNT roster. Compared to the two other roster announcements that have been dropped so far during this calendar year, this one was by far the most intriguing. Following a productive SheBelieves Cup where the United States gained necessary experience against top competition, the stars and stripes take on the Republic of Ireland in the final two friendlies ahead of the long-awaited World Cup.

For players aspiring to make the roster come August, this is a massive opportunity to make a positive impression on the coaching staff against an opponent also heading to the World Cup. For the first time in their nation’s history, the Irish will be competing on the world’s biggest stage. Behind an Amber Barrett goal in the 72′ back in October, Vera Pauw’s side edged Scotland to earn a spot in the World Cup.

For Ireland, these April friendlies are an extraordinary opportunity to test itself against the defending world champions. The United States will be looking at these two fixtures to help finalize some of those positions that Andonovski has not nailed down quite yet. These sides have met just 13 times in the past with the U.S coming out on top in each one of them. The last meeting between these two countries was in front of over 37,000 fans at the Rose Bowl back in 2019 where Carli Lloyd led the United States to a 3-0 triumph during the team’s victory tour following the World Cup win in France.

Two players were dropped from the SheBelieves Cup roster of 23 with Megan Rapinoe recovering from an injury and Margaret Purce just missing out. Andonovski’s roster of 26 for these two contests will need to decrease to just 23 for the World Cup as the decisions begin to get increasingly more difficult. Julie Ertz and Casey Krueger both made surprise appearances back on the USWNT roster while Kelley O’Hara, Sophia Smith, and Tierna Davidson are all fit enough to secure a spot back on the team. Before the action kicks off in Austin, Texas, here is everything you need to know ahead of the USWNT’s final preparation before its title defense this summer.

26-player roster for friendlies against Ireland.

Goalkeepers: Alyssa Naeher, Casey Murphy, Adrianna Franch

Defenders: 

Centerbacks: Alana Cook, Tierna Davidson, Naomi Girma, Casey Krueger, Becky Sauerbrunn

Wingbacks: Emily Fox, Crystal Dunn, Sofia Huerta, Kelley O’Hara, Emily Sonnett

Midfielders: Taylor Kornieck, Rose Lavelle, Kristie Mewis, Ashley Sanchez, Andi Sullivan, Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan

Forwards: Alex Morgan, Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, Lynn Williams, Ashley Hatch, Sophia Smith

Schedule for USWNT friendlies: 

USWNT v Republic of Ireland, Saturday, April 8 at Q2 Stadium, 2:30 p.m. EST

Where to watch: TNT, Peacock

USWNT v Republic of Ireland, Tuesday, April 11 at CITYPARK, 7:30 p.m. EST

Where to watch: HBO Max, Peacock

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