United States women’s national team interim manager Twila Kilgore has named a 26-player roster ahead of a pair of December friendlies against China, one that omits several USWNT mainstays, including Alex Morgan, and includes 11 players with fewer than 10 caps.
The U.S. will play the first friendly against China on Dec. 2 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, with the second set to take place three days later in Frisco, Texas.
The matches take place following the naming of Chelsea manager Emma Hayes to take over as U.S. manager.
But with Hayes set to see out the remainder of the club season with the Blues, Kilgore will oversee the training camp and two friendlies.
The roster was put together in consultation with Hayes and U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker.
Among the absentees are six World Cup players who were on the USWNT roster for a pair of friendlies last month, a group that includes OL Reign defender Sofia Huerta, San Diego Wave FC forward Alex Morgan, Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, Washington Spirit midfielder Ashley Sanchez, Portland Thorns FC defender Becky Sauerbrunn and Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan.
The roster includes two…
