US calls up Sanchez, 17, before exhibitions vs Colombia

Posted March 22, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) - The U.S. women's soccer team has called up 17-year-old forward Ashley Sanchez for the first time before two exhibitions against Colombia.

Coach Jill Ellis announced 23 players Tuesday who will be invited to training camp. Twenty-one were on the roster for this month's SheBelieves Cup, when the No. 1-ranked Americans defeated three of the world's top teams.

Ellis also added Sanchez and Portland Thorns midfielder Allie Long. Long spent some time with the team in 2014, earning four caps.

Sanchez recently captained the U.S. to a berth in the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, scoring five goals in five games during the CONCACAF qualifying tournament. She turned 17 last week and is the first player born in 1999 - the year the U.S. won the Women's World Cup at home - to be called up to the full national team. In December, she helped the Americans qualify for the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, scoring three goals with five assists.

Fifteen players on the roster were on last year's World Cup-winning team, including Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan, Julie Johnston, Meghan Klingenberg, Ali Krieger, Becky Sauerbrunn and Morgan Brian.

The U.S. will train in Orlando, Florida, for six days before heading to its match against 25th-ranked Colombia on April 6 in East Hartford, Connecticut. The teams meet again April 10 in Chester, Pennsylvania. Ellis will pick 18 players to suit up for each game.

The U.S. beat Colombia 2-0 in the round of 16 at the Women's World Cup.

Roster:

Goalkeepers: Ashlyn Harris (Orlando), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago), Hope Solo (Seattle)

Defenders: Whitney Engen (Boston), Jaelene Hinkle (Western New York), Julie Johnston (Chicago), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland), Ali Krieger (Washington), Kelley O'Hara (Sky Blue), Becky Sauerbrunn (Kansas City), Emily Sonnett (Portland)

Midfielders: Morgan Brian (Houston), Tobin Heath (Portland), Lindsey Horan (Portland), Carli Lloyd (Houston), Allie Long (Portland), Samantha Mewis (Western New York), Heather O'Reilly (Kansas City)

Forwards: Crystal Dunn (Washington), Alex Morgan (Orlando), Christen Press (Chicago), Mallory Pugh (Colorado), Ashley Sanchez (So Cal)

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