Megan Rapinoe returns to US roster for April exhibitions

CHICAGO (AP) - Midfielder Megan Rapinoe is back on the U.S. women's national team roster for a pair of friendlies in Texas next month.

The United States will play Russia on April 6 in Frisco, Texas, and again on April 9 in Houston.

Coach Jill Ellis announced the roster Thursday. Rapinoe was not included on the team's roster for the SheBelieves Cup tournament earlier this month. Also returning is forward Amy Rodriguez, who is coming back after the birth of her second child; defender Meghan Klingenberg, who had a back injury; and Houston Dash forward Kealia Ohai.

"This is our last chance to get together before the NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) starts and we'll take full advantage of the training time as well as the two matches against a team in preparation for the European championships," Ellis said in a statement.

Rapinoe drew attention when she kneeled during the national anthem before a pair of national team matches last year. The U.S. Soccer Federation recently approved a rule requiring players to stand during anthems.

The full roster, with club affiliation:

Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

Defenders: Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns), Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride), Kelley O'Hara (Sky Blue), Megan Oyster (Boston Breakers), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars)

Midfielders: Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns), Rose Lavelle (Boston Breakers), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash/Manchester City), Allie Long (Portland Thorns), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign)

FORWARDS (7): Crystal Dunn (Chelsea), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride/Lyon), Kealia Ohai (Houston Dash), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (UCLA), Amy Rodriguez (FC Kansas City), Lynn Williams (NC Courage).