Casual U.S. soccer fans watching the USWNT in the SheBelieves Cup will likely have one big question. Why is Rose Lavelle not playing vs. Canada?
Lavelle will have to watch the USA’s first game of the tournament from the sideline. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski said on Wednesday that the star midfielder picked up a knock in training and will sit the first game out.
She could still play in the games against Japan and Brazil.
Rose Lavelle is out due to injury for the first match of SheBelieves Cup‼️@USWNT Head Coach, Vlatko Andonovski said Rose will not be available for game one of SheBelieves Cup, but the team hopes to have her available for games 2 and 3. pic.twitter.com/UMna5hQcPc
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) February 15, 2023
Lavelle was seen in practice with an ice pack on her left knee, however it’s unclear if it was for the knock she suffered.
Rose Lavelle and Sofia Huerta
— Area Sports Network (@AreaSportsNet) February 15, 2023
Lavelle has been the brightest asset to a shaky USWNT midfield. When facing tougher opposition, the American midfield has looked unbalanced and struggled to keep up with possession.
During the friendlies against New Zealand in January Lavelle was a menace scoring two goals and grabbing an assist in one game. A look at the SheBelieves Cup roster indicates that Ashley Sanchez could fill Rose’s role vs. Canada.
The six midfielders Vlatko brought for the tournament are Lavelle, Lindsey Horan, Andi Sullivan, Sanchez, Kristie Mewis and Taylor Kornieck.
The Canada midfield won’t be at full strength either as veteran defensive midfielder Desiree Scott is recovering from an injury that required surgery.
Canada’s team also has major issues off the field as the national team continues its fight against the Canada Soccer Association. It looked for a little bit like Canada might boycott the SheBelieves Cup after Canada Soccer implemented budget cuts that have hurt the team. The players went on strike in response.
BREAKING: @CANWNT arrive to training with unbranded gear and training tops turned inside out not showing Canada Soccer logo.
This comes amidst @CANWNT fight for equality against Canada Soccer.: @clahanna pic.twitter.com/HzUiDtXRVU
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) February 15, 2023
Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan support the Canadian Women's National team players fight for equality.
The two nations face off tomorrow in the first match of SheBelieves Cup. pic.twitter.com/ERsTtZMTIy— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) February 15, 2023
USWNT players have offered their support for their northern rivals, and it’s expected that there will be a moment of solidarity between the two teams before kickoff.
