Even the 11 players appearing on their first World Cup roster — a group that includes Lavelle, Lindsey Horan, Mallory Pugh and Crystal Dunn — are now seasoned international veterans. Still, Ellis’s decision to lean so heavily on veterans — 11 members of the team are in their 30s; five have appeared in at least 10 World Cup matches — has left some holes. The Americans will open the World Cup against Thailand in Reims, France, before facing Chile and Sweden to close out group play. Ellis will have three more chances to tinker with her team before then: The United States will host friendlies against South Africa (May 12), New Zealand (May 16) and Mexico (May 26) before departing for the World Cup. The full roster:Goalkeepers: Adrianna Franch; Ashlyn Harris; Alyssa NaeherDefenders: Abby Dahlkemper; Tierna Davidson; Crystal Dunn; Ali Krieger; Kelley O’Hara; Becky Sauerbrunn; Emily Sonnett

Source: International New York Times May 02, 2019 17:03 UTC