Jill Ellis’ U.S. Women’s National Team squad for the upcoming 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero is loaded with Southern California connections.
Southern California natives Alex Morgan (Diamond Bar), Christen Press (Palos Verdes), and Whitney Engen (Torrance) were selected to the 18-player roster on Tuesday for the Olympic Games which begin next month. Northern California native Megan Rapinoe was also chosen for the squad.
Four of the 18 players boast California college connections as UCLA’s Mallory Pugh, Santa Clara alumna Julie Johnston, and Stanford University’s Kelley O'Hara were named. Also included among Ellis’ four alternates for Rio is UCLA alumna Samantha Mewis.
The USWNT open Group G play on August 3 against New Zealand (3 p.m. PT) at Mineirão Stadium in Belo Horizonte before playing three days later against France in the same location (1 p.m. PT). Ellis’ team close group play against Colombia on Aug. 9 (3 p.m. PT) at the Amazônia Stadium in Manaus.
The complete roster is below:
GOALKEEPERS: Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)
DEFENDERS: Whitney Engen (Boston Breakers), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Kelley O'Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City)
MIDFIELDERS: Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC)
FORWARDS: Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (Real Colorado)
