USWNT Tournament of Nations roster includes Washington Spirit’s Rose Lavelle

US Soccer announced the USWNT roster for the 2018 Tournament of Nations, which begins July 26. Jill Ellis, who called in 25 players, will convene her squad on July 20 despite the NWSL having a full slate of league matches taking place on July 20-21. The Washington Spirit will be represented by midfielder Rose Lavelle, who will miss Saturday’s game against the Houston Dash.

Presumptive USWNT starter Mallory Pugh was not called up, most likely due to the fact that she has not yet returned to action from a PCL sprain suffered in May. Ashley Hatch, Taylor Smith, and Andi Sullivan remain on the outside looking in at the moment.

Despite the potential sore spot of US Soccer again choosing to begin a national team camp a day before NWSL clubs have competitive matches, the real controversy is rooted in a recall for Jaelene Hinkle of the North Carolina Courage. Hinkle had previously turned down a call-up, later confirming that her decision was based on not wanting to support Pride Month by wearing a jersey with a rainbow number. Hinkle’s stance puts her at odds with much of the women’s soccer community, as well as with several potential teammates who are openly gay.

Elsewhere, Ellis has given a few players who have been on the outside of the pool a look in. Uncapped goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, in the midst of a stellar season with the Portland Thorns, will get a chance to make her case for a spot on the regular roster. Courage right back Merritt Mathias, who got her first cap during the last set of USWNT friendlies, remains in the squad, while Kealia Ohai and Amy Rodriguez are both listed among the forwards.

The full roster is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

Defenders: Abby Dahlkemper (NC Courage), Tierna Davidson (Stanford), Jaelene Hinkle (NC Courage), Merritt Mathias (NC Courage), Becky Sauerbrunn (Utah Royals FC), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC)

Midfielders: Morgan Brian (Chicago Red Stars), Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (Washington Spirit), Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage), Allie Long (Seattle Reign FC), McCall Zerboni (NC Courage)

Forwards: Crystal Dunn (NC Courage), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Kealia Ohai (Houston Dash), Christen Press (Utah Royals FC), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC), Amy Rodriguez (Utah Royals FC)