The returns of Julie Ertz and NWSL MVP Sophia Smith highlight the United States women’s 26-player roster for a pair of upcoming friendlies against Ireland.
Ertz last played for the U.S. at the postponed 2020 Olympics and gave birth to her first child in August 2022. She is without a club. Smith returns after dealing with a foot injury that kept her out of the first two camps of the year.
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“It’s very exciting to be back with the team again and I’m grateful to have this opportunity,” Ertz said in a statement provided by U.S. Soccer. “I have to work out details in regards to my club situation, but I am very thankful to [husband] Zach, my family, and U.S. Soccer for the amazing support they have provided to get me back to this point.
“I’ve been training hard, excited to see where I’m at physically and getting better each day. I am going into this camp the same way I always have, to compete with the best women in the world.”
Defender Casey Krueger is also returning after giving birth to her first child in July 2022. The camp is her first since October 2021.
Veteran defender Kelley O’Hara also comes back into the U.S. side after an extended absence. OL Reign midfielder Megan Rapinoe was left off the roster as she deals with a lower leg…
