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Emma Hayes has named her first U.S. women’s national team roster since the team won gold at the Paris Olympics in August. The U.S. will play three matches during the October FIFA international break: a pair against Iceland, and another against Argentina.
Midfielder Ashley Sanchez and forward Alyssa Thompson were named to the roster, after both players were left off the Olympic side. In addition, Hayes has added six uncapped players: defenders Eva Gaetino, Alyssa Malonson and Emily Sams; midfielder Hal Hershfelt; and forwards Yazmeen Ryan and Emma Sears.
In the 26-player roster, 18 players are from the Paris gold medal winning team. However, injuries have sidelined Trinity Rodman, Tierna Davidson and Croix Bethune. U.S. defender Crystal Dunn has also been left off the roster, due to personal commitments.
Sams and Hershfelt were on the Olympic alternate roster and trained with the team, but did not make an official appearance in Paris. Sams earned a gold medal by making a gameday…
