The star defender is back for the first time this year after a trophy-winning season with Chelsea
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Naomi Girma back in USWNT squadLo’eau LaBonta among newcomersU.S. set to face China and JamaicaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Naomi Girma, fresh off helping Chelsea win the FA Cup Final and clinch the treble, is rejoining the the U.S. women's national team for the first time in 2025, headlining coach Emma Hayes' squad for upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica.
Girma's absence has been noticed in defense, and the USWNT can now count on one of the best in the world for these matches. Chelsea – featuring both Girma and Catarina Macario – won the FA Cup on Sunday, adding another trophy alongside the WSL and Women's League Cup.
Lynn Biyendolo also returns to the USWNT squad after missing out on the April matches, while Portland Thorns starlet Olivia Moultrie is in the team for the first time in a year.
Among the newcomers are Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello and KC Current veteran Lo'eau LaBonta, the latter of whom could become the oldest USWNT debutant at 32.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE SQUAD IN FULL
GOALKEEPERS: Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC) Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United)
DEFENDERS: Kerry Abello (Orlando Pride), Crystal Dunn (Paris Saint-Germain), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)
MIDFIELDERS: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Lo’eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC), Lily Yohannes (Ajax)
FORWARDS: Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign FC), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC)
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The squad continues Hayes' recent trend of empowering young players, particularly in the attack. Without any members of Triple Espresso in the team – both Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson are pregnant, and Trinity Rodman is continuing to deal with a back injury – four of the seven forwards are under the age of 22. Ally Sentnor, Michelle Cooper, Alyssa Thompson and Emma Sears have seized chances, as has Alyssa's younger sister, Gisele, who is listed among the forwards.
Joining them are Biyendolo and Catarina Macario. The midfield, meanwhile, has veterans Sam Coffey and Lindsey Heaps to go with more inexperienced players such as Moultrie, Lily Yohannes and Claire Hutton, as well as newcomer LaBonta, who has years of NWSL experience.
The goalkeeper spot, in particular, will be an interesting watch as the three shot-stoppers in the squad – Claudia Dickey, Mandy McGlynn and Phallon Tullis-Joyce – have a combined four caps between them.
Getty ImagesWHAT HAYES SAID
“Everyone always earns their call-ups but there are some much-deserved call-ups in this camp for players who have shown consistency in league play,” Hayes said. “We have two different types of opponents ahead of us, so we’ll have to be creative in breaking down those teams in different ways.
"Now that everyone has settled into a rhythm with their clubs, or is coming right off their European seasons, our players are at a good level. As has been one of our focuses this year, this camp and the following camp are going to be two amazing opportunities to develop squad depth.”