USWNT Announces Roster for Upcoming Matches Against Italy

Chelsea defender Naomi Girma makes headlines with her long-awaited return after missing the last FIFA window due to injury. Having participated in just four matches for the USWNT in 2025, all of which she started, her inclusion is a significant boost for the team.

Head Coach Emma Hayes has also called up several new players, including Chicago Stars forward Jameese Joseph and Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz, both of whom receive their first senior call-ups. Additionally, Washington Spirit defender Kate Wiesner, a long-time U.S. youth international, joins the squad.

This roster features seven changes from the October friendlies, most notably the return of Gotham FC midfielder Jaelin Howell, who last played for the U.S. in 2022. Howell is among several Gotham players gearing up for this weekend’s NWSL Championship. In total, the camp includes 20 players from the NWSL, with seven set to compete for the title in San Jose. Lindsey Heaps and Rose Lavelle enter as the most capped players, with Heaps boasting 160 caps and 38 goals, while Lavelle has 115 caps and 27 goals.

**GOALKEEPERS:** Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 4), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 4), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; 0)
**DEFENDERS:** Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; 4/0), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 69/1), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG; 48/2), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 8/1), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; 4/0), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current; 1/1), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 6/0), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC; 112/2), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave; 1/0), Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit; 0/0)
**MIDFIELDERS:** Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit; 4/0), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 41/5), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 167/38), Jaelin Howell (Gotham FC; 5/1), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 9/1), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 115/26), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 11/1)
**FORWARDS:** Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars; 0/0), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG; 27/13), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 10/4), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville; 11/4), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC; 29/8), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC, ENG; 24/3)

Italy was the USWNT’s first international opponent in 1985, and the teams have faced each other only 15 times in the past 40 years. Their most recent encounter was in 2011, where the U.S. secured a 2-0 victory, advancing in the tournament. Hayes emphasized that the upcoming match against Le Azzurre serves as a crucial end-of-year test for the team.

“This year has been exciting and significant for our group as we have achieved numerous goals, expanded our player pool, and made advancements in our gameplay model. This camp will continue that momentum while also laying the foundation for 2026, which marks our World Cup qualifying year,” said Hayes. “Competing against top European teams is invaluable, providing us with an honest assessment of our progress as a team, and I am confident our players will embrace this challenge.”

The USWNT will first face Italy on Friday, November 28, at Inter&Co Stadium, home of the Orlando Pride. The second match will take place in Fort Lauderdale at Chase Stadium on Monday, December 1. These two games will conclude the USWNT’s schedule for the 2025 year.