In preparation for the upcoming friendlies against China, the U.S. women's national team has unveiled a revamped roster that will feature several new faces. The squad will notably exclude ten players from this summer's World Cup team, including starters Alex Morgan, Crystal Dunn, Andi Sullivan, and Alyssa Naeher. However, a U.S. Soccer spokesperson assured fans that the decision was made to provide an opportunity for newer players to showcase their skills in both training and games.

With just 26 spots available, U.S. Soccer is keen on broadening its player pool and identifying fresh talent, particularly with an eye on the 2024 Paris Olympics. The recent appointment of longtime Chelsea manager, Emma Hayes, as the USWNT's next head coach has added further impetus to this approach. The highly anticipated friendlies against China on December 2nd in Fort Lauderdale and December 5th in Frisco, Texas, will serve as crucial evaluation opportunities for the coaching staff.

Twila Kilgore, currently serving as the squad's interim head coach, emphasized the importance of creating more opportunities to observe players in the national team environment ahead of the Olympics. Kilgore, who will continue to oversee day-to-day operations until Hayes assumes full coaching responsibilities in May 2024, expressed her close collaboration with Hayes in selecting the roster for the upcoming matches.

Kilgore assured veteran players who were not called into the camp that they remain valued members of the team. The decision to focus on newer players was driven by the desire to strike a balance between the established stars and the need for new blood. Kilgore highlighted the significance of continued evaluation and strategic player development in order to optimize the team's chances of success.

This roster announcement introduces two midfielders, Jenna Nighswonger and Korbin Albert, to the full national team training camp for the first time. Nighswonger, recognized as the 2023 NWSL league rookie of the year, plays for Gotham FC, the recent NWSL champions. Meanwhile, Albert currently represents Paris Saint-Germain.

The training camp also welcomes back seasoned defender Abby Dahlkemper, who played a vital role in the USWNT's triumph in the 2019 World Cup but has been absent since April 2022 due to major back surgery. Additionally, Tierna Davidson, a defender recovering from a facial injury sustained during an NWSL match, rejoins the team. Another notable return is midfielder Rose Lavelle, who will participate in her first camp since the World Cup after battling injuries.

Although the delayed transition of Emma Hayes from her current role at Chelsea to the USWNT has posed challenges, U.S. sporting director Matt Crocker remains confident in the long-term vision. Crocker emphasized Hayes' exemplary leadership, extensive experience, preferred playing style, winning mentality, and her commitment to leaving a lasting legacy as decisive factors in her selection as the team's next head coach.

While the official handover to Hayes is scheduled for May 2024, Crocker expressed hope that she might visit the camp in Fort Lauderdale next week to familiarize herself with the players and staff.

The USWNT is approaching this period of transition with optimism and anticipation. With Emma Hayes at the helm, the focus is on seizing the moment and unlocking the potential for success at the Olympics and beyond. The team looks forward to working with the new roster and developing the program further.

Laken Litman, a seasoned sports journalist covering college football, college basketball, and soccer for FOX Sports, brings a wealth of experience to her reporting. Her previous work with Sports Illustrated, USA Today, and The Indianapolis Star, combined with her authorship of "Strong Like a Woman," published in spring 2022 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, highlights her expertise and dedication to covering women's sports.