Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd on Thursday were among 23 players named to a U.S. World Cup squad that is aiming to win consecutive global titles for the first time.
The roster, unveiled by Coach Jill Ellis, features 12 players from the 2015 team, including Julie Ertz, Tobin Heath and Becky Sauerbrunn.
The other 11 include two members from the Washington Spirit, a National Women’s Soccer League team: forward Mallory Pugh and midfielder Rose Lavelle.
Ellis made two surprise selections: defender Ali Krieger (Dumfries, Va.) and midfielder Morgan Brian (University of Virginia).