Three Georgians and four NC Courage players named to US World Cup team

Today is the day - the United States Women’s National Team has announced the 23 players selected to represent the Stars and Stripes as they seek to defend their world title in France. Jill Ellis named the roster this afternoon and seven players with ties to the South as Dirty South Soccer covers the region have been called in.

For the NC Courage, Crystal Dunn was called in as a defender as she has typically played left back for the national team - yes, the USWNT plays a player capable of being a no. 10 on the best team in the NWSL as a left back, and yes she is awesome at it. She joins Abby Dahlkemper who should see starting time at center back. Midfielder Sam Mewis and forward Jess McDonald will be joining them in representing the NWSL Champion NC Courage in France.

As for the Georgians, Fayetteville’s own Kelley O’Hara was called in as a right back, though she can play at forward or on the wing also. O’Hara helped ice the semi-final game against Germany in 2015 as you may recall:

Morgan Brian of St. Simons also made the roster as a midfielder for her second World Cup having also represented the USA in Canada. USWNT defensive stalwart Emily Sonnett hailing from Marietta will also be packing her bags for France in her first World Cup call up.

Stars and Stripes FC has the full roster. The USWNT will have a three tuneup games starting with one against South Africa on May 12 before the real action starts in Reims, France against Thailand on June 11th.