U.S. Women's National Team head coach Jill Ellis announced her 23 player roster for the upcoming 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada, and players from California will make up the backbone of the squad's effort for a third World Cup title.
Six of the 23 players named to Ellis' squad for the World Cup are California natives which is the most of any state. Among the five Southern Californians on the squad are regular contributors Alex Morgan (Diamond Bar, Calif.), Christen Press (Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.) and Shannon Boxx (Redondo Beach, Calif.).
The complete roster is below with the Californians noted in bold.
GOALKEEPERS: Ashlyn Harris (Washington Spirit), Alyssa Naeher (Boston Breakers), Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)
DEFENDERS: Lori Chalupny (Chicago Red Stars),
Whitney Engen (Rolling Hills Estates, Calif./Western NY Flash)
, Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Houston Dash), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC), Christie Rampone (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City)
MIDFIELDERS:
Shannon Boxx (Redondo Beach, Calif./Chicago Red Stars)
, Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lauren Holiday (FC Kansas City), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash), Heather O’Reilly (FC Kansas City),
Megan Rapinoe (Redding, Calif./Seattle Reign FC)
FORWARDS: Sydney Leroux (Western NY Flash),
Alex Morgan (Diamond Bar, Calif./Portland Thorns FC)
,
Christen Press (Palos Verdes Estates, Calif./Chicago Red Stars)
,
Amy Rodriguez (Lake Forest, Calif./FC Kansas City)
, Abby Wambach (unattached)
