ORLANDO, Fla. (October 31, 2017) - Orlando Pride forward Chioma Ubogagu received her first call-up to the senior U.S. Women’s National Team on Tuesday afternoon, joining teammates Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris on the 23-player roster that will head into camp to prepare for its final two matches of the year. The U.S. WNT will face Canada on Nov. 9 at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada (10 p.m. ET on ESPN2) and on Nov. 12 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, Calif. (9 p.m. ET on FS1).
“The call-up is a worthy reward for the very successful 2017 season Chi had,” Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni said. “Her game and confidence grew throughout the season and, with it, came enhanced performances. This will be a great opportunity for her to keep learning at the highest level.”
After being acquired via trade with the Houston Dash on Jan. 23, Ubogagu had a breakout season with the Pride, scoring four goals and adding three assists. Ubogagu’s first goal in purple came on May 14, netting the first score that sparked a three-goal day and guided the Pride to its first win of the season over the then-undefeated North Carolina Courage.
The forward previously featured at the U-18, U-20 and U-23 level, helping the U-20s win the 2012 U-20 Women’s World Cup and CONCACAF Championship.
Morgan had a highlight-worthy season of her own, finishing fifth in the league with nine goals despite only playing in 13 matches en route an NWSL Second XI honor earlier in the month. The forward enters the camp with five goals at the national level this year, the most by any player on the U.S. WNT.
Harris battled back from an early-season injury that saw her miss 11 matches. Despite that, the goalkeeper totaled a 5-0-2 record over the team’s final seven matches and led the Pride to the team’s first-ever playoff berth. Harris earned her 14th cap in the U.S. WNT’s last match, combining with teammate Jane Campbell for a 6-0 shutout over Korea Republic.
U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position (Caps/Goals):
GOALKEEPERS (4): Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC; 0/0), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 21/0), Jane Campbell (Houston Dash; 2/0), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride; 14/0)
DEFENDERS (8): Abby Dahlkemper (NC Courage; 11/0), Sofia Huerta (Chicago Red Stars; 3/0), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC; 102/2), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City; 133/0), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars; 17/0), Taylor Smith (NC Courage; 5/0), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC; 12/0), Chioma Ubogagu (Orlando Pride; 0/0)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars; 55/13), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC; 41/4), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash; 244/97), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC; 32/6), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage; 32/7), Andi Sullivan (Stanford; 5/0)
FORWARDS (5): Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC; 132/18), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride; 132/78), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars; 94/44), Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC; 127/34), Lynn Williams (NC Courage; 13/4)
