The United States women's national team has named its roster for a pair of friendlies against defending World Cup champion Spain, scheduled for Oct. 10 and 13. Coach Emma Hayes called up 26 players for the matches.
North Carolina Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez earned a recall to the squad after more than 18 months away from the national team, according to multiple outlets. Sanchez has been in strong club form, with The Guardian reporting she is the NWSL's top scorer this season and has set a league record for goals in a season by an American player.
Mallory Swanson also returns to the squad for her second camp since giving birth, according to Yahoo Sports. The Guardian described her recall as coming after Olympic heroics.
The Guardian also reported that Naomi Girma and Sam Coffey, both standouts in the Women's Super League, were named to the squad, with Girma included despite an injury absence for her club Chelsea, according to The Guardian.
Fox Sports and CBS Sports both described the roster using the phrase 'triple espresso' in reference to a subset of the called-up players. Fox Sports noted the matches form part of the US team's preparation for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Guardian highlighted Ashley Sanchez as the NWSL's top scorer with an MVP-caliber season for North Carolina Courage.
- Reported Naomi Girma was called up despite an injury absence for her club Chelsea.
- Noted Mallory Swanson's recall came after her Olympic performance.
“Sanchez, NWSL's top scorer, returns after years away” — The Guardian
Center
- Yahoo Sports and others reported Ashley Sanchez returned after more than 18 months away from the national team.
- Coverage noted the 26-player roster contains a mix of new and familiar faces in new and familiar positions.
- Reported Mallory Swanson's return marks her second camp since giving birth.
- CBS Sports referenced the 'triple espresso' grouping among the called-up players.
“Ashley Sanchez returns to USWNT roster for Spain friendlies after long absence” — Yahoo Sports
Right
- Fox Sports used the phrase 'triple espresso' to describe part of the call-up.
- Framed the friendlies against Spain as part of a critical stretch of preparation for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
“USWNT Calls Up 'Triple Espresso' For Matches vs. World Cup Champion Spain” — Fox Sports
Questions readers ask
Who was called up to the USWNT roster for the October friendlies?
Coach Emma Hayes named 26 players, including returning midfielder Ashley Sanchez, forward Mallory Swanson, and Chelsea's Naomi Girma and Sam Coffey, for friendlies against Spain.
When and against whom will the USWNT play?
The United States women's national team will play two friendlies against defending World Cup champion Spain on Oct. 10 and 13.
Why is Ashley Sanchez's call-up notable?
According to The Guardian, Ashley Sanchez is the NWSL's top scorer this season with North Carolina Courage and has set a league record for goals in a season by an American player, returning to the national team after more than 18 months away.
What did right-leaning outlets emphasize about the roster?
Fox Sports focused on the 'triple espresso' nickname for part of the roster and framed the friendlies against Spain as part of the USWNT's preparation for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- The GuardianLeft-leaningUSWNT roster: Ashley Sanchez earns the call for friendlies v Spain
- CBS SportsCenterUSWNT roster: Ashley Sanchez joins 'triple espresso' ahead of October friendlies as World Cup looms
- CNACenterSanchez, Swanson return to US squad for Spain friendlies
- The Straits TimesCenterSanchez, Swanson return to US squad for Spain friendlies
- Yahoo SportsCenterAshley Sanchez's resurgence leads to her return to U.S. national team
- Fox SportsRight-leaningUSWNT Calls Up 'Triple Espresso' For Matches vs. World Cup Champion Spain