SANDY, Utah (Thursday, March 21, 2019) – Utah Royals FC duo of DF Becky Sauerbrunn and FW Christen Press have been called to the U.S. Women’s National Team by Head Coach Jill Ellis for two international friendlies against Australia and Belgium in preparation for the 2019 Women’s FIFA World Cup.
The USWNT will face Australia on April 4 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. On April 7, the USWNT will travel to Los Angeles to take on Belgium at Banc of California Stadium.
“Australia is a top-6 team, and Belgium came within a goal of qualifying for the World Cup, so these opponents will provide us a level of competition that we’ll be experiencing in France,” said Ellis. “Our time together will be important to keep forging team chemistry and build on the connectivity on the pitch so we can bring out the best from each other in our team play.”
Sauerbrunn and Press head into the 2019 World Cup year with veteran experience under their belts. Sauerbrunn in her third, while Press is in her second World Cup year. In 2015, the two were both members of the Women’s World Cup championship teams.
The USWNT will play three games in May for a “Send-Off Series” before heading to France, facing Thailand, Chile, and Sweden in group play.
Sauerbrunn and Press are expected to rejoin Utah Royals FC prior to the home opener against the Washington Spirit on April 20 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
U.S. WNT Roster – Australia & Belgium Friendlies (Club; Caps/Goals)
GOALKEEPERS (3): Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC; 1/0), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride; 20/0), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 41/0)
DEFENDERS (7): Abby Dahlkemper (NC Courage; 35/0), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars; 17/1), Crystal Dunn (NC Courage; 80/24), Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride; 98/1), Becky Sauerbrunn (Utah Royals FC; 153/0), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars; 27/0), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC; 30/0)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars; 77/18), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC; 64/7), Rose Lavelle (Washington Spirit; 23/6), Allie Long (Reign FC; 40/6), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage; 45/8), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit; 11/0), McCall Zerboni (NC Courage; 8/0)
FORWARDS (7): Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC; 146/27), Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC; 269/105), Jessica McDonald (NC Courage; 6/1), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride; 158/99), Christen Press (Utah Royals FC; 111/47), Mallory Pugh (Washington Spirit; 48/13), Megan Rapinoe (Reign FC; 149/43)
