After a two-year absence, Ashley Sanchez has returned to the USWNT roster, as announced by Emma Hayes on Tuesday. The midfielder for the North Carolina Courage has been in exceptional form this season, netting 20 goals and currently matching the league’s single-season scoring record in the NWSL. Her comeback to the international squad has become a focal point in the latest team selection.
Emma Hayes’s USWNT Squad Blends New Talent with Returning Players
In addition to Sanchez, the 26-player roster features four players who have yet to earn senior caps: goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz, midfielder Evelyn Shores, and forwards Trinity Byars and Pietra Tordin. The squad also welcomes back Naomi Girma and Sam Coffey, both recovering from injuries that sidelined them during recent international windows. Meanwhile, Jaedyn Shaw and Ally Sentnor have been assigned to the U-23 team.
The upcoming international break will see the USWNT preparing for two friendly matches against the reigning World Cup champions, Spain. The first encounter is scheduled for October 10 at Audi Field in Washington, DC, followed by a second match on October 13 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Commenting on the roster selection, Hayes emphasized the importance of rebuilding team cohesion after an extended hiatus. She noted that the camp’s focus will be on integrating new players into the squad while ensuring competitive lineups for both fixtures.