Midfield

United States women’s national team head coach Twila Kilgore turned heads with her starting XI for the SheBelieves Cup semifinal vs. Japan on Saturday. Korbin Albert will start the game on the bench and Mallory Swanson returns for the first time in a year.

Swanson last started a game with the USWNT on April 8, 2023, when she suffered a severe knee injury. She’s back in the starting XI for the first time since.

USWNT starting XI vs Japan

The XI to get us started in Atlanta

Johnny Cardoso might be the hottest player for the United States men’s national team as February comes to a close. The 22-year-old continued his fantastic start with LaLiga side Real Betis on Sunday with a brilliant goal.

Legendary United States women’s national team midfielder Sam Mewis has announced her retirement from professional soccer at 31 years old.

Mewis, who won the World Cup with the USWNT in 2019, said that her prolonged knee injury is the reason for hanging up her boots.

The initial knee injury took place in 2017 and was a serious issue with her knee cartilage. She battled through the injury and competed in the 2019 World Cup and 2020 Olympics, but needed another surgery in January 2023.

Star United States men’s national team midfielder Weston McKennie won’t be available for Monday’s return leg Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal game in Trinidad and Tobago, announced the team. The McKennie injury is due to a knee issue.

Weston McKennie injury

Weston McKennie has departed camp to
recover from an aggravated left knee tendinopothy » https://t.co/dpUoJMgnLy

Olivia Moultrie made history in 2021 when she filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NWSL and paved the way for players under 18 to play in the league. She made her debut with the Portland Thorns at just 15 years old and now she’s received her first United States women’s national team call-up.

Olivia Moultrie USWNT call-up

On Wednesday interim USWNT head coach Twila Kilgore announced the 27-player roster for two friendlies vs. Colombia. The roster included several newer names like Moultrie, Jaedyn Shaw, Mia Fishel and M.A. Vignola.

TORONTO — Michael Bradley, one of the most capped players in the history of the U.S. men's team and an all-time great for Toronto FC, will retire as a professional after the 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, the club said on Tuesday.

Bradley joined Toronto in 2014 and the long-time captain was a key player in the club's treble-winning season in 2017 when the Reds captured the MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield, and Canadian Championship.

United States men’s national team star defensive midfielder Tyler Adams is set to be out for an extended period following an injury setback to his hamstring. The Tyler Adams injury update from Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was worst case scenario.

“I don’t know what to call it, a setback, but he is not feeling well,” Iraola said. “It is true that he is going to be out for some time, for sure. I think it’s the same area. I couldn’t tell you if it’s exactly the same point, but it’s true that it’s his hamstring.”

Julie Ertz wore the captain’s armband for her 123rd and final appearance with the United States women’s national team on Thursday as the U.S. defeated South Africa 3-0 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ertz had her curtain call in the 36th minute as she was given a standing ovation and made way for Andi Sullivan. Before exiting the field, she hugged teammates, acknowledged the 22,016 fans and passed the armband off to Lindsey Horan.

Here were her final moments as a USWNT player.