CHICAGO (AP) - Sydney Leroux has returned to the U.S. national soccer team roster for the first time since giving birth.
U.S. coach Jill Ellis announced the roster Thursday for matches in Europe next month against Sweden and Norway.
Leroux took off much of last year after she gave birth to son Cassius. She is married to Sporting Kansas City forward Dom Dwyer.
Tobin Heath and goalie Ashlyn Harris were left off the 21-player roster. Heath has a back injury and Harris a hip flexor. In Harris’ absence, Abby Smith of the Boston Breakers will make her first appearance on an international roster.
Alex Morgan was put on the roster despite a recent hamstring injury. She is playing in France with Lyon.
The U.S. plays Sweden on June 8 in Gothenberg, and Norway on June 11 in Sandefjord.
“This will be a quick trip against two very good teams in final preparations for the Euros, so I’m looking forward to seeing how we respond to these two quality opponents,” Ellis said in a statement.
The roster by position with club affiliation
Goakkeepers: Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Abby Smith (Boston Breakers)
Defenders: Abby Dahlkemper (NC Courage), Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars), Jaelene Hinkle (NC Courage), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars).
Midfielders: Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (Boston Breakers), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash/Manchester City), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC).
Forwards: Crystal Dunn (Chelsea FC), Sydney Leroux (FC Kansas City), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride/Olympique Lyonnais), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (Washington Spirit).
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