Forward Alyssa Thompson and midfielder Julie Ertz have been named to the 23-player US Women's National Team roster for the upcoming World Cup.
Ertz is already a two-time World Cup winner, having been a key player in the US's 2015 and 2019 campaigns.
The 31-year-old Ertz has long been one of the top defensive midfielders in the world. She has been a staple both for the US and for her last NWSL club, the Chicago Red Stars, since graduating from Santa Clara in 2013. In 2021, an injury she sustained in a Red Stars game kept her out of the Tokyo Olympics. Her time away from the field continued into 2022, when she gave birth to her son, Madden. She made her return to the national team this past April, shortly before signing with Angel City.
'You're never guaranteed a [roster] spot,' said Ertz. 'No matter if you're a veteran or if you're new. I wouldn't have given it a shot if I didn't think that I had the mindset or ability to do it, but you just don't know at the end of the day, especially coming off of a baby, my body's different. The beauty of it is I've been able to fall in love with the game and the grind again.'
Thompson, who will be 18 years and eight months old when the tournament kicks off, has only three appearances to date with the senior national team. The first overall pick in the 2023 draft has exceeded expectations in her rookie year with Angel City.
'Alyssa had that professional, competitive mentality from the beginning, which has allowed her to be really competitive,' said Interim Head Coach Becki Tweed. 'She came into preseason ready to be a pro. You knew from the minute she stepped on the field that she had something to give.'
'If there's anybody that can change your game it's in the space of 10 seconds,' Tweed continued, 'it's Alyssa.'
Thompson has three goals in 12 games, including one in her NWSL debut against Gotham. She is the second youngest US player to have been named to a World Cup roster, after Tiffany Roberts, who played in the 1995 edition of the tournament aged 18 years and one month. Both Roberts and Thompson have Filipino heritage.
'A World Cup is a once in a lifetime experience,' Thompson said. 'Getting the call made me feel like everything that I've done, all the sacrifices I've made, were worth it.'
Asked what advice she would give to Thompson, Ertz said, 'don't forget to enjoy the craziness. Sometimes it's tough with all the stuff going on. It's a big tournament. But at the end of the day, it's just soccer. Have fun with it.'
Both players will be available for selection for the Angel City game this Sunday, June 25. Tickets are available here.
