By Associated Press - Wednesday, April 30, 2014

CHICAGO (AP) - Portland defender Nikki Marshall is among 22 players picked by U.S. interim coach Jill Ellis for an exhibition game against Canada on May 8 at Winnipeg, Manitoba, and could make her national team debut.

Washington goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris and Portland midfielder Allie Long also are on the roster announced Wednesday, returning to the national team after long absences.

Defender Crystal Dunn, sidelined during the winter by an ankle injury, is back on the roster.

Forward Alex Morgan, midfielder Kristie Mewis, midfielder Megan Rapinoe and defender Rachel Van Hollebeke will miss the game because of injuries.

Ellis took over April 6 when Tom Sermanni was fired after 16 months. The team is preparing for North and Central American and Caribbean World Cup qualifying, which takes place from Oct. 16-26 at Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

The roster:

Goalkeepers: Ashlyn Harris (Washington), Jill Loyden (Sky Blue), Hope Solo (Seattle)

Defenders: Stephanie Cox (Seattle), Crystal Dunn (Washington), Whitney Engen (Tyreso, Sweden), Meghan Klingenberg (Tyreso, Sweden), Ali Krieger (Washington), Nikki Marshall (Portland), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue), Christie Rampone (Sky Blue), Becky Sauerbrunn (Kansas City)

Midfielders: Morgan Brian (Virginia), Lauren Holiday (Kansas City), Julie Johnston (Chicago), Carli Lloyd (Western New York), Allie Long (Portland), Heather O’Reilly (Boston)

Forwards: Sydney Leroux (Seattle), Christen Press (Tyreso, Sweden), Amy Rodriguez (Kansas City), Abby Wambach (Western New York)

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.

Click to Read More and View Comments

Click to Hide