USWNT head coach Emma Hayes continues her efforts to cultivate the national team`s talent pool. She has selected a 20-player U-23 roster for a training camp and two friendly matches set to take place in Germany. These games, scheduled for May 30 and June 2 outside Stuttgart, mark the debut matches for the revitalized U-23 program under Hayes` leadership in 2025.
“This presents a fantastic chance for our U-23 players to compete against high-caliber European opposition and gain essential experience,” stated Hayes. “We are focused on player development through diverse opportunities. As I`ve mentioned previously, this involves some players participating in U-23 matches while others join the senior WNT squad at different times. Our aim is to expose them to a wider range of top-level competitors, ensuring consistency in coaching philosophy and methods across both teams.”
The U-23 squad will be guided by its own coaching team, headed by Heather Dyche, head coach at the University of New Mexico. Assisting her will be Yolanda Thomas, assistant coach for Orlando Pride, Stephanie Cox, a former USWNT player and 2008 Olympic gold medalist, and Louis Hunt, who works with the U.S. Youth National Teams and previously coached goalkeepers for San Diego Wave.
The selected roster comprises 15 players aged under 23. In line with an agreement with Germany and European U-23 regulations, each team is permitted up to five `over-age` players born before January 1, 1999.
The U-23 roster features 16 professional players from the NWSL and three from European clubs. Only one active collegiate player, midfielder Evelyn Shores from the University of North Carolina, is included.
Notably, ten players on this roster have found the back of the net in the NWSL this season. These include Jordyn Bugg and Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC), Lilly Reale and Sarah Schupansky (Gotham FC), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave), Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage), Caiya Hanks (Portland Thorns FC), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Red Stars), Makenna Morris (Washington Spirit), and Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC).
USWNT U-23 WNT Roster
Goalkeepers (2):
- Angelina Anderson (Angel City FC; Danville, Calif.)
- Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; Fairfax, Va.)
Defenders (6):
- Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; El Cajon, Calif.)
- Lauren Flynn (Utah Royals FC; Arlington, Va.)
- Emily Mason (Seattle Reign FC; Flemington, N.J.)
- Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; Hingham, Mass.)
- Evelyn Shores (UNC; Atlanta, Ga.)
- Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave; Rossmoor, Calif.)
Midfielders (6):
- Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain FC, FRA; Grayslake, Ill.)
- Abi Brighton (Juventus FC, ITA; Beaufort, S.C.)
- Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage; Roswell, Ga.)
- Samantha Meza (Seattle Reign FC; Balch Springs, Texas)
- Sarah Schupansky (Gotham FC; Pittsburgh, Pa.)
- Jaedyn Shaw (North Carolina Courage; Frisco, Texas)
Forwards (6):
- Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC; Edina, Minn.)
- Mia Fishel (Chelsea FC, ENG; San Diego, Calif.)
- Caiya Hanks (Portland Thorns FC; Kailua-Kona, Hawaii)
- Jameese Joseph (Chicago Red Stars; Beltsville, Md.)
- Makenna Morris (Washington Spirit; Germantown, Md.)
- Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC; Voorhees, N.J.)
