The USWNT head coach, Vlatko Andonovski named his roster of 24 soccer players for the training camp in New Zealand. The team is set to undergo a six-day training camp followed by two friendly matches against the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup hosts, New Zealand.

This USWNT roster has taken a few fans by surprise after a few players were left out. However, the decision by Mallory Pugh to use her married name, Mallory Swanson, has amused the fans.

The American soccer pro tied the knot with Chicago Cubs’, Dansby Swanson.

Mallory Pugh uses Chicago Cubs’ Dansby Swanson’s surname after marriage!

Mallory Pugh and Dansby Swanson tied the knot on 10 December 2022. The athlete-star couple tied the knot at the Ritz Carolton Reynolds Lake Oconee and they also called it the ‘dream ceremony’.

The latest USWNT roster has a few notable names missing out. However, many of the fans are poking fun at Mallory Swanson’s name on the list. Soccer fans are pretending to not know this new player and say that she might have a lot of potential.

Let’s have a look at how the fans reacted to the squad announcement.

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Many of the USWNT fans make light-hearted jokes at Pugh’s decision to use her married name and pretend to not recognize her.

Andonovski shows confidence in the USWNT squad

The USWNT is prepping for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The USWNT will face Vietnam and the Netherlands in Group E. One of Thailand, Cameroon, or Portugal will join the trio to complete the group.

Andonovski spoke to CBS explaining his planning process. He told CBS, “We’ve been thinking about and planning for the World Cup for a long time, but when the calendar turns to the World Cup year, for sure it brings some renewed focus and energy as the tournament starts in less than 200 days”.

Andonovski also expressed his excitement for the New Zealand camp. He said, “To get to bring the team to New Zealand in January and play in our World Cup venues has so many benefits so we are going to make sure we maximize our time together, make this trip as productive as possible and enjoy a unique experience as many of our players have never been to New Zealand before”.

The fans are not very surprised at a few omissions from the squad. They were honestly expecting Andonovski to rotate heavily from the USWNT player pool.  American soccer stars Megan Rapinoe and Sophia Smith are left out of the squad due to ongoing injuries.

The USWNT has a chance to become the first women’s team to win the FIFA World Cup three times in a row. The majority of the fans are still considering the USWNT as heavy favorites even after their occasional injury crisis.

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Do you think the USWNT will win the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time? Let us know in the comments below.