Elite forwards Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario are making their return to the United States women’s national team for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup after lengthy absences due to injuries. Swanson missed the 2023 World Cup after tearing her patellar tendon, while Macario has been recovering from multiple ACL injuries. The return of these two players comes at a pivotal time for the USWNT, as they are in a period of transition with the upcoming Paris Olympics and new faces entering the national team environment. The team is stacked with talent at forward, but Swanson and Macario are widely considered to be two of the best players in the world.
Interim head coach Twila Kilgore announced the 23-player roster for the SheBelieves Cup, which includes six players from European clubs. Along with Swanson and Macario, familiar faces like captain Lindsey Horan and Emily Fox are on the roster, as well as newcomers like Eva Gaetino and Lily Yohannes who earned their first senior national team call ups. The team is eager to continue progressing and will face Japan in the semifinals on April 6 and either Brazil or Canada in the third-place game or final on April 9. These games are part of a five-game stretch against teams that have qualified for the Olympics, providing valuable preparation for the upcoming tournament.
The addition of Swanson and Macario to the roster brings a new dynamic to the USWNT, as they are both known for their skill and strength on the field. Swanson, at only 25 years old, has a bright career ahead of her despite her injury setback, while Macario has shown her talent with Chelsea by scoring in her first two games off the bench. The team will also rely on the experience of players like Horan and Alex Morgan, as well as the fresh energy of younger players like Gaetino and Yohannes. Kilgore, who collaborated with incoming head coach Emma Hayes to create the roster, emphasized the importance of incorporating new and less experienced players into the mix.
The SheBelieves Cup provides an opportunity for the USWNT to continue building chemistry and cohesion as they prepare for the challenges ahead, including the Paris Olympics and the transition to a new head coach. The team is focused on putting their best foot forward and showcasing their talents against quality opponents like Japan, Brazil, and Canada. The tournament will allow the team to assess their strengths and weaknesses, while also giving players the chance to prove themselves on the international stage. With a mix of experienced veterans and up-and-coming talent, the USWNT is eager to make an impact in the upcoming matches and beyond.
The roster for the SheBelieves Cup includes a mix of familiar faces and newcomers, reflecting the evolving nature of the team and the ongoing process of integrating new players into the squad. As the USWNT navigates a period of transition and prepares for major competitions like the Olympics, the addition of players like Swanson and Macario brings added depth and firepower to the team’s attacking lineup. With a focus on progression and development, the USWNT is poised to make a strong impression in the upcoming matches and solidify their status as one of the top teams in women’s international soccer.
