United States women's national team manager Jill Ellis is shifting focus and turning to experienced players ahead of the 21-day training camp later this month.
Ellis has called up 29 players for a camp that runs from Jan. 5-25 at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Carson, Calif. Veteran midfielder Shannon Boxx, defender Rachel Van Hollebeke and goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart return to the national team set up as Ellis will look to trim the field to a 23-player roster ahead of the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada this summer.
Last month, the Americans lost to Brazil and drew China during the 2014 International Tournament of Brasilia, a four-team competition held at at the National Stadium Mane Garrincha that serves as preparation for the World Cup. Germany also ousted USA from the top spot in FIFA's latest Women's World Ranking, for the first time since March 2008.
Roster:
Goalkeepers: Nicole Barnhart (FC Kansas City), Ashlyn Harris (Washington Spirit), Alyssa Naeher (Boston Breakers), Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)
Defenders: Lori Chalupny (Chicago Red Stars), Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Whitney Engen (Western NY Flash), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Houston Dash), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Kelley O'Hara (Sky Blue FC), Christie Rampone (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Rachel Van Hollebeke (Portland Thorns FC)
Midfielders: Shannon Boxx (Chicago Red Stars), Morgan Brian (Virginia), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lauren Holiday (FC Kansas City), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash), Kristie Mewis (Boston Breakers), Samantha Mewis (UCLA), Heather O'Reilly (FC Kansas City), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC)
Forwards: Sydney Leroux (Seattle Reign FC), Alex Morgan (Portland Thorns FC), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Amy Rodriguez (FC Kansas City), Abby Wambach (Western NY Flash)
