Seattle Reign star Megan Rapinoe pulled out of the USWNT camp due to a rib injury suffered in her team’s win against the Houston Dash last week. Jill Ellis called up Utah Royals forward Amy Rodriguez in her absence for two friendlies against Chile.
Rapinoe's country will be missing her, but her club will be thankful for her decision considering the important matches ahead. Rapinoe letting herself rest for the upcoming international break will hopefully mean she will be back for the team’s critical game against Pacific Northwest rivals Portland Thorns on Sept. 8, the winner of which will clinch the second-place spot in the NWSL playoffs.
In thinking about recent weeks, there were a few players worthy to replace Rapinoe in the USWNT roster. Kealia Ohai, Sofia Huerta and Lynn Williams come to mind. However, Ellis opted to give team stalwart Amy Rodriguez the nod.
The 31-year-old has shown remarkable resilience time and again in taking leaves for two pregnancies and in coming back from a devastating ACL tear last season. Most recently, Rodriguez gave her Utah side a crucial point on the road in the 96th minute against Sky Blue FC. With 30 goals in 130 appearances for the national team, one can understand the logic behind Ellis’ choice.
It remains to be seen whether Rodriguez will make the final 18-player roster or if Ellis sees her working alongside Mal Pugh, Christen Press and others in her preferred three-forward formation. The team will kick off its first game against La Roja at 8 p.m. (PST) Friday at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. The teams will face off again on Tuesday at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California.
The18 Recommends For You
