Ellis: Pride star Morgan is hungry
U.S. women’s national team coach on Wednesday announced a 26-player preliminary roster for the 2018 SheBelieves Cup, and Orlando Pride players
and both received call-ups.
The roster will be narrowed to 23 players prior to the team’s March 1 cup opener against Germany in Columbus. The team will train in Orlando.
Ellis said she expects Morgan, who has scored 81 national-team goals in 135 appearances, to be motivated for the SheBelieves Cup. The tournament brings together No. 1 USA, No. 2 Germany, No. 3 England and No. 6 France for a series of doubleheader matches.
Morgan battled a hamstring injury last year while playing for Lyon in France — where she spent the first half of the year before returning to the Orlando — and still scored nine goals to go with four assists in 13 appearances for the Pride.
“The whole experience has added another layer to Alex,” Ellis said.
“I see again a hunger in her eyes. I see a tremendous willingness to work to get on the end of the ball but also work to set her teammates up with defensive pressure and movement off the ball. What I see in her is, I think, what I could categorize as ‘hungry.’ I think she’s going to be motivated.”
Harris was brought in for her experience, and Ellis said she expects the veteran goalkeeper to push projected starter and youngster
who has been capped just twice.
Ellis said she would have brought in Portland Thorns goalkeeper
so she could have four goalkeepers in camp, but Franch is dealing with an injury.
“Ashlyn worked incredibly hard in the break and came in and I thought she had a very good January camp,” Ellis said, adding Harris saw minutes in a closed-door scrimmage against Denmark.
“It’s her continuing to push the other keepers. She’s been solid for us and when she’s called upon, I know she’ll be ready. She gives us depth at that position with her and Jane. Those are the things Ashlyn brings.”
The 2018 CONCACAF Championship, which serves as a qualifier for the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, starts in October.
“We’re really excited to get into this tournament,” Ellis said about the SheBelieves Cup. “It’s a big year. Every moment we have together, every match we have, is preparing us for October in terms of qualifying. It’s going to be a fantastic tournament.”
The finale of the SheBelieves Cup will be held at Orlando City Stadium March 7. France will play Germany at 4 p.m., with the U.S. women playing England at 7 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at ussoccer.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
is preparing for a return to the NWSL, pending receipt of her P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate.
The Orlando Pride on Wednesday announced signing the 24-year-old Australian national-team member. She previously played for Seattle Reign FC and the Chicago Red Stars. She’s also had professional stints in Germany and Australia’s W-League.
“Emily is a high-quality creative midfield player with a determined and winning attitude, and the ability to get forward and score goals,” Pride coach
said in a news release.