Ashley Hatch, Tierna Davidson among USWNT’s World Cup snubs

Vlatko Andonovski is not afraid to take a chance. 

The U.S. women’s national team announced its 2023 roster ahead of July’s FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, and there were some surprises. 

Though the group is still led by familiar veterans such as Alex Morgan, 33, and Megan Rapinoe, 37, the USWNT has a younger –– and more inexperienced –– look this tournament.

With captain Becky Sauerbrunn out because of a foot-injury and star striker Mallory Swanson sidelined with a torn patellar tendon in her left knee, Andonovski is looking to next-gen players to fill in the gaps instead of other veteran options. 

Ashley Hatch, 28, was left off of this year’s roster despite her history with the team.

The striker likely would have backed up Morgan, but was edged out by Lynn Williams who arguably has more versatility to her game. 

Hatch had a career-best 2021 NWSL season with Washington, securing the title and Golden Boot in the same year.

This season, she played five games with USWNT this year, scoring one goal. 

Defender Tierna Davidson, 24, also was overlooked after coming back from an ACL injury.

In Sauerbrunn’s absence, Davidson might’ve been a trusty replacement as she played with USWNT in the 2019 World Cup and Tokyo Olympics. 

Nevertheless, Andonovski opted for youth –– and perhaps a little spunk –– with center back duo Naoimi Girma and Alana Cook. 

Adrianna “A.D.” Franch, 32, wasn’t given a spot in the goalkeeping lineup after being part of USWNT’s 2019 World Cup and 2020 Olympic efforts.

Aubrey Kingsbury secured the third opening following an excellent season with the Washington Spirit –– the keeper posted 12 total goals against in 12 starts.

Alyssa Naeher is expected to be the team’s No. 1 in net through the World Cup. 

Midfielders Savannah DeMelo, 25, and Alyssa Thompson, 18, were two standout selections by Andonovski and players that will have to prove themselves on the biggest stage. 

DeMelo has yet to play on the international level, marking the firs USWNT player since 2003 to make the World Cup roster before making her senior team debut. 

Thompson, Angel City FC teammate to veteran Julie Ertz, tore it up in the NWSL this year and will add some depth to the frontline as the youngest on the roster. 

​​The U.S. enters the World Cup as the No. 1 ranked team and will open its tournament run on July 22 in Auckland against Vietnam in Group E play.