Jill Ellis narrowed the U.S. women’s national soccer team roster to 20 players for the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament next month, three fewer than allowed for the 2015 World Cup. The player pool, though, was smaller than last year because of four retirements, two injuries and two pregnancies.
The squad includes 13 players from last summer’s championship, including Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan and six other starters. Heavily favored to claim one of the region’s two berths in Brazil, the four-time gold medalists will open group play in Frisco, Tex., on Feb. 10. The decisive semifinals are Feb.