CARSON — The U.S. women’s national soccer team enters the new year with uncertainty, yet excitement hovering overhead.
First, there’s a new coach in charge (Emma Hayes), but not officially until the end of the Women’s Super League with Chelsea. Second, with a busy calendar year ahead, the team is undergoing a youth makeover with several players getting a big opportunity to make a lasting impression.
“The time in (training) camp has been valuable and the new energy feels refreshed,” USWNT defender Naomi Girma said. “I’m excited to have this time together.”
The opener is Tuesday night in the second game of a CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup doubleheader against the Dominican Republic at Dignity Health Sports Park (7:30 p.m., ESPN+, Paramount+).
All three of the Americans’ group stage games will be played at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Despite a World Cup Round of 16 exit last summer, the U.S. is still ranked second in the world in the latest FIFA rankings.
Interim coach Twila Kilgore said this is the most time the team will have in camp and the players and coaches are looking to take advantage of that time to grow.
“We’re excited to be together and we’re trying to squeeze everything out of our time together,” Kilgore said. “The energy and vibe has been great. I’m looking forward to watching us play some important games.
“We have an obligation to be our very best and that’s something we strive for every day. Every game will be a major task. We’re up for the challenge. It’s eight teams that have competed in the World Cup and we’re excited to play a variety of different opponents. To continue to develop and test ourselves to make sure we’re headed in the right direction.”
The roster consists of seven players with fewer than seven national team appearances, including a pair of teenagers Olivia Moultrie (18) and Jaedyn Shaw (19).
Girma, 23, has quickly established herself as a fixture, making her World Cup debut last…
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