Five Flash Players Named to January USWNT Roster
January 4, 2017 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
BUFFALO, NY --- United States National Team head coach Jill Ellis named 29 players to the training camp roster for January, and five Western New York Flash players were selected. Flash forwards Lynn Williams and Jess McDonald, midfielder Samantha Mewis, and defender Jaelene Hinkle will all be returning to the National Team roster after spending time with the National Team over the course of the past year. Midfielder Taylor Smith earned her first call-up to the roster.
Williams, 23, continued her outstanding 2016 campaign in Utah when she set a record for the fastest goal ever scored in a debut after coming on at halftime and scoring 49 seconds into her debut. The forward was also named the 2016 National Women's Soccer League MVP, won the league's Golden Boot (11 goals, 5 assists), and scored the equalizer to propel the Flash to a win in the 2016 NWSL Championship.
McDonald, 29, is coming off a fantastic season where she started in 19 games and scored 10 goals, second-most on the team behind Williams - as well as second-most in the league. She finished in the top three in league standings for most assists (7), most shots (70) and most shots on goal (34). In the NWSL Championship game, McDonald provided the crucial assist to Williams that allowed the Flash to tie the match in the 124th minute. The forward was also named the 2016 WNY Flash team Most Valuable Player.
Mewis, 24, tore through the end of 2016 and finished out her year with two goals in four international friendlies near the end of the calendar year. The midfielder scored the first tally in the Flash's NWSL Cha mpionship win and finished the season with seven goals and three assists.
Hinkle, 23, was consistently a staple in the Flash's back line and often was found contributing to the Flash's offense, playing in crosses and creating opportunities for the Flash's attack. The defender finished the 2016 season with a goal and three assists in 1565 minutes played. With the National Team, Hinkle has earned eight caps in two years. Her first cap came in a friendly against Brazil on October 21, 2015.
Smith, 23, earned her first call-up to the Senior Team after logging 818 minutes in 20 appearances for the Flash. Smith scored two goals in her rookie campaign and subbed on in the 80' during the NWSL Championship, adding an extra spark en route to the Flash's shootout victory.
"The players have had a good break since our last games in November, and I know everyone is anxious to get back to work," said Ellis. "January Camp has always been valuable to set the tone for the upcoming year and it will be good for the players to get back on the field. For the staff, evaluation and performance remain the focal points during camp as we begin a build up to the SheBelieves Cup."
U.S. Women's National Team Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (4): Jane Campbell (Stanford), Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars).
DEFENDERS (7): Jaelene Hinkle (Western New York Flash), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride), Kelley O'Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC).
MIDFIELDERS (11): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Kristen Edmonds (Orlando Pride), Christina Gibbons (Duke), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (Wisconsin), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Samantha Mewis (Western New York Flash), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC), Taylor Smith (Western New York Flash).
FORWARDS (7): Crystal Dunn (Chelsea Ladies FC, ENG), Jessica McDonald (Western New York Flash), Alex Morgan (Olympique Lyonnais, FRA), Kealia Ohai (Houston Dash), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Amy Rodriguez (FC Kansas City), Lynn Williams (Western New York Flash).
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National Women's Soccer League Stories from January 4, 2017
- Megan Rapinoe Named to National Team Roster - Seattle Reign FC
- Five Flash Players Named to January USWNT Roster - Western New York Flash
- Becky Sauerbrunn and Amy Rodriguez Among 29 Players Named to Training Camp Roster - FC Kansas City
- Jill Ellis Names Kelley O'Hara to First U.S. WNT Camp of 2017 - Sky Blue FC
- Three Dash Players Called up for January USWNT Camp - Houston Dash
- Five Thorns FC Players Named to U.S. Women's National Team Roster for January Training Camp - Portland Thorns FC
- Four Red Stars Head to USWNT Camp - Chicago Stars FC
- Ellis Names 29 Players as U.S. WNT Kicks off 2017 with Training Camp at U.S. Soccer NTC - NWSL
- NWSL Reveals Preliminary List of Eligible Players for 2017 College Draft - Washington Spirit
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