This week we talk to Australian youth international Tessa Tamplin—who has had a breakout season for the Newcastle Jets—about her first season as a full-time starter, her stunning goal from 40 yards out that she scored last week and her future career goals. We also review the first two rounds of games for the 2020 CONCACAF Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament Finals. We then present the rosters for all 8 teams. Next week we will be reporting live from the semifinal games which will decide the two teams from the region to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games this summer.
Australian Youth International Tessa Tamplin Interview
One important aspect of the Westfield W-League, which this reporter has covered since the inaugural year in 2008/09, is the regular conveyor belt of new local talent that the league's teams produce, many of whom go onto play for clubs abroad and the Matildas. One player who has emerged this season and definitely one to keep an eye on is Newcastle Jet's outside defender Tessa Tamplin. The 18-year-old has played internationally at the U-17 and U-20 level for Australia. The Newcastle-area native is in her second season with the Jets and has played every minute of every match in defense in the 2019/20 campaign. She also supplies the offense with a steady supply of service from the right wing. She talked exclusively with TribalFootball.com about her role as a wingback, the Jet's season so far, a stunning goal she scored last week and her hopes for her future club career.
Photo: Tessa Tamplin (far left) of the Newcastle Jets clears the ball against Melbourne City (Photograph by Sproule Sports Focus)
After playing only four games last season (with one goal), Tessa Tamplin has started every minute of every game this year. She explained, "It's been really, really good as my first season as a starter. The girls in the back help me a lot, giving me advice and support and are really encouraging.…Everyone on the team has been super helpful and encouraging. It has been a really good environment to be in."
Tamplin scored an amazing goal from about 40 yards out from the opposing goal on the right wing; it snuck into the net above goalkeeper Morgan Aquino—the goal of the season in my book—in her team's 4-2 loss to Perth Glory on January 23 (https://www.w-league.com.au/video/goal-tamplin-scores-a-beauty-distance). She told Fox Sports after the game that she had shanked a cross that she meant to put into the box and turned away in disgust and didn't even see the ball enter the net, "I heard the crowd go off and turned around and it was in the back of the net, 'Oh sorry, what? I didn't even see it.' I have to go back and watch the replay." She told TribalFootball.com that she has scored similar goals in the past, "It's not like the first time I've scored like that, believe or not. I've done it a couple of times, all by accident." Tamplin then talked about her dual defending and attacking role, "I love the role I play in the defensive fullback/wing type of position because it gives me the freedom to really attack and help the girls up front. You can get all the way down the line and you can whip it in or do a cutback. I am not overly confident in the box so crossing is definitely my forte and I have worked on it a lot….Being a defensive player, there is a lot of one v one defending so it is an all-around position and I enjoy the attacking and freedom from my position." She showed in the Jets 2-0 home win over Adelaide United on February 1 her value on the wing, with constant long crosses into the box, one of which was a pinpoint cross to forward Tara Andrews, who was awarded a penalty kick on the play, who scored from the spot to give the Jets a second half 1-0 lead, which they ultimately doubled late in the game to secure the win.
Photo: Tessa Tamplin (in foreground) after her wonder goal against Perth Glory on January 23 (Photograph by Tony Feder/Getty Images)
The Jets have struggled on the field this season, in part due to budget constraints and they are the only team in the 9 team league to not utilize any imports. They currently have 2 wins and 1 tie on the season for 7 points after 10 games of the 12 match season for seventh place. Tamplin pointed out that despite the results, the team has played well at times and they certainly have been competitive, "Having more internationals could be helpful but in saying that, I don't think our local girls have done all that poorly. Unfortunately we haven't gotten the results this season that we would like to see. Moving forward to next season I think confidence is something that we need to give ourselves a little more…We need to put some of the things from training into action a little bit more; I feel sometimes we might overthink it and things don't work out as planned."
Tamplin would like to play abroad, particularly in Europe. "I haven't heavily thought about it or really done that much research into it but the dream is to go almost anywhere, in Europe or [specifically] England." [In recent months, English FA Super League teams have signed Matildas Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Hayley Raso (Everton), Chloe Logarzo (Bristol City) and Caitlin Foord (Arsenal), while 18-year-old Jacinta Galabadaarachchi signed with West Ham after playing for Perth last season; England is definitely becoming a key destination site for Australian pros.] Tamplin continues to explain why Europe is her priority, "I used to think about going to America for college though my preference is to the European of football. I like that style of football more. So this year or next year, that would be a main focus of mine, along with playing in the W-League….I think that would be an awesome experience."
Photo: Tessa Tamplin of the Newcastle Jets—head up and looking to pass (Photograph by Sproule Sports Focus).
Tessa Tamplin is a strong example of the W-League's franchises' continual commitment to give teenagers significant roles in their sides, which ultimately in the future benefits the individual player, the W-League, the Matilda national team program and clubs abroad.
2020 CONCACAF OLYMPIC GAMES QUALIFYING FINALS
On January 28 in Houston, Texas, the U.S. and Costa Rica began Group A play with solid wins over Haiti (4-0) and Panama (6-1), respectively. For the Americans, Christen Press (Utah Royals) scored the first goal after 75 seconds on a volley from a Lynn Williams (North Carolina Courage/Western Sydney Wanderers) cross. In the 19th minute, Haiti seemed to have legitimately equalized from a corner kick that appeared to go directly into the goal untouched past goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars) but was disallowed by the officials for reasons that were unclear. The U.S. dominated the game throughout but didn't score a second goal until the 67rd minute as Megan Rapinoe (Reign FC), who had just come on as a substitute, sent a corner kick in front of goal where an unmarked Lynn Williams headed it home. Haiti's defense was resolute and with Costa Rica defeating Panama by a 6-1 score in the first game, keeping goal difference down was critical to Haiti's hopes for advancing in the tournament, though they rarely connected on more than one pass at a time, repeatedly forced to ping the ball out of danger by the constant American pressure. Rapinoe again was the provider in the 73rd minute to fellow-sub Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns) for a powerful header for the third U.S. goal. Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC) scored late in injury time for the fourth goal. The U.S. finished with a 23 to 3 shot advantage (8-2 for shots on goals) and had 13 corner kicks to only one for Haiti. Only 4,363 attended on a Tuesday night, with only a few hundred there for the first match between Costa Rica and Panama.
In the first game on January 28 in Group A, Costa Rica used a brace from 23-year-old Melissa Herrera (who is currently with Stade de Reims of France after playing with F.C. Indiana of the UWS league in 2016 and then the following season with Independiente Santa Fe of Colombia), and a successful penalty kick by Raquel Rodriguez (Portland Thorns) to take a comfortable two-goal lead. However, right before halftime in the 45th minute, Katherine Castillo (Universitario of Panama) gave Panama a big boost with an excellent right-footed strike to cut the Costa Rica lead to 2-1. Longtime veteran of Olympique Lyon and PSG in France before going to China with Jiangsu Suning, Shirley Cruz—now with Codea at home—put Costa Rica well on their way to securing victory in the second half with a stellar volley in the 67th minute. Priscilla Chinchilla (Codea) in the 70th minute and Maria Elizondo (Herediano) in the 83rd minute scored the last two goals for the winners. For Panama, despite the scoreline, Yenith Bailey was once again impressive in goal and prevented a double digit defeat. She came to attention in the 2019 Women's World Cup Regional Qualifying Finals when she led Panama to fourth place, just losing to Jamaica on penalty kicks in the third place match—missing out on an automatic WWC spot from CONCACAF—and then falling to Argentina in the continental play-in for a final spot from the Americans. Panama was outshot 23-12 by Costa Rica but was almost even on ball possession.
In Group B inEdinburg Texas (near the Mexican border) on January 29, the focus on the first game between Canada and St. Kitts and Nevis was if forward Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns) would score the goals that she needed to break the world record for international goals. She entered the match with 183 goals, one behind former U.S. international Abby Wambach for the record for either gender. Sinclair scored twice within the first 23 minutes as Canada jumped out early on St. Kitts and Nevis, leading 4-0 at that point. Canada finished the game with an 11-0 win over the Caribbean side, with Adriana Leon (West Ham in England) scoring 4 goals, along with the brace from Sinclair and a pair from Ashley Lawrence (Paris St. Germain). Singles came from Lawrence's teenage teammate at PSG Jordyn Huitema, dynamic winger Jayde Riviere of the University of Michigan and midfielder Jessie Fleming of UCLA.
Sinclair has been a full international for 21 years and has now appeared in 290 international matches. Steven Reed, Canada Soccer President said after the historic occasion, "Canada's Christine Sinclair is the greatest international goalscorer in the world's most beloved sport, We have watched her grow from teenage star on the local grounds to international superstar who is adored around the world. For more than 20 years, she has served as a global ambassador to our nation, continually raising the bar for our sport through her achievements on the pitch and her humble actions off the pitch." She was also congratulated on Twitter by Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau.
Sinclair has played in 5 Women's World Cups, finishing in 4th place in 2003 in the States and has played in 3 Olympic Games Finals, finishing with a bronze medal in the last two events, in London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Sinclair debuted for Canada in a 4-0 loss to China at the 2000 Algarve Cup, and scored the first of her 185 goals in a 2-1 loss to Norway two days later. She's won NCAA Division I titles with the University of Portland in 2002 and 2005 and pro titles in WPS with FC Gold Pride (2010) and the Western New York Flash (2011) and in NWSL with the Portland Thorns (2013 and 2017). She was named the Canadian Player of the Year 14 times, with 11 years of them in a row (2004-14).
In the second game, Mexico held off 2019 WWC Finals participant Jamaica with a single goal by Renee Cuellar, now with Tijuana of Mexico, after playing with multiple clubs in multiple countries (see below). Only 1,489 attended the two games in South Texas, with the balance showing up to cheer for Mexico in the second game, a fairly common phenomena whenever Mexico plays in the U.S., but still a disappointing crowd for the community that is an short and easy drive from Mexico.
In the second round of games in Group A on January 31, Costa Rica guaranteed itself a semifinal spot with a 2-0 defeat of Haiti in Houston, utilizing two goals from Raquel Rodriguez (Portland Thorns). In the second match, the U.S. defeated Panama 8-0 to also clinch a semifinal spot. Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns) scored her first ever national team hat-trick and contributed two assists while Lynn Williams and Jess McDonald (both of the North Carolina Courage) along with Christen Press (Utah Royals), Rose Lavelle (Washington Spirit) and Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns) scored single goals. The U.S. took 39 shots to only one for the Panamanians (21 to 0 for shots on goal) and 12 to 0 for corners taken. Panama and Haiti, who both have 0 points, were eliminated and play their final game on Monday February 3.
On February 1 in Group B's second set of matches, Kiana Palacios (Real Sociedad of Spain), Jimena Lopez (Texas A&M University) and Stephany Mayor (Tigres UANL), the latter from the penalty spot, gave Mexico an early commanding 3-0 lead against St. Kitts and Nevis by the 9th minute. Renae Cuellar (Xolos de Tijuana) added 2 goals (22nd and 51st minute) with substitute Liliana Mercado (Tigres UANL) wrapping up the scoring. Mexico clinched a semifinal spot with the win with St. Kitts and Nevis now eliminated from semifinal contention.
In the second game on February 1, Canada knocked out Jamaica 9-0 with 8 goals coming from two European-based strikers: Jordyn Huitema (Paris St. Germain) with 5 and Janine Beckie (Manchester City of England) with 3. Midfielder Deanne Rose (University of Florida) added a single goal. Canada advances to the semifinals with the win and Jamaica is eliminated.
The rosters for the 8 teams are below:
Canada
Nine of the squad play in the NWSL while another 5 are based in the States with college teams. Three play in France, 2 are in England and 1 is based in Sweden. The roster did not include Jenna Hellstrom—who returned from Sweden to sign with the Washington Spirit for this season—or 15-year-ld Olivia Smith, who was called into a pre-tournament camp in early January.
No. Position Last Name, Name Common Name DOB Club (Club Country)
1 Goalkeeper Labbe, Stephanie Stephanie Labbe 10-Oct-86 North Carolina Courage (USA)
2 Defender Chapman, Allysha Allysha Chapman 25-Jan-99 Houston Dash (USA)
3 Defender Buchanan, Kadeisha Kadeisha Buchanan 5-Nov-95 Lyon (FRA)
4 Defender Zadorsky, Shelina Shelina Zadorsky 24-Oct-92 Orlando City (USA)
5 Midfielder Quinn, Rebecca Rebecca Quinn 11-Aug-95 Reign FC (USA)
6 Striker Rose, Deanne Deanne Rose 3-Mar-99 University of Florida (USA)
7 Defender Grosso, Julia Julia Grosso 29-Aug-00 University of Texas (USA)
8 Striker Riviere, Jayde Jayde Riviere 22-Jan-01 University of Michigan (USA)
9 Striker Huitema, Jordyn Jordyn Huitema 8-May-01 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. (FRA)
10 Midfielder Lawrence, Ashley Ashley Lawrence 11-Jun-95 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. (FRA)
11 Midfielder Scott, Desiree Desiree Scott 31-Jul-87 Utah Royals FC (USA)
12 Striker Sinclair, Christine Christine Sinclair 12-Jun-83 Portland Thorns FC (USA)
13 Midfielder Schmidt, Sophie Sophie Schmidt 28-Jun-88 Houston Dash (USA)
14 Striker Carle, Gabrielle Gabrielle Carle 12-Oct-98 Florida State University (USA)
15 Midfielder Prince, Nichelle Nichelle Prince 19-Feb-95 Houston Dash (USA)
16 Striker Beckie, Janine Janine Beckie 20-Aug-94 Manchester City FC (ENG)
17 Midfielder Fleming, Jessie Alexandra Jessie Fleming 15-Dec-98 University of California, Los Angeles (USA)
18 Goalkeeper Sheridan, Kailen Kailen Sheridan 16-Jul-95 Sky Blue FC (USA)
19 Midfielder Leon, Adriana Adriana Leon 2-Oct-92 West Ham UTD (ENG)
20 Goalkeeper D'Angelo, Sabrina Sabrina D'Angelo 11-May-93 Vittsjo (SWE)
Costa Rica
Costa Rica went with a primarily domestic league-based team, with only 4 with clubs abroad—2 in Spain and 1 each in France and the U.S. (NWSL). In the NWSL, Raquel Rodriguez was recently traded to the Portland Thorns from Sky Blue FC, where she played for 4 seasons and was the 2016 NWSL Rookie of the Year after her collegiate career at Penn State University.
No. Position Last Name, Name Common Name DOB Club (Club Country)
1 Goalkeeper Bermudez Valverde, Maria Noelia Noelia Bermudez 20-Sep-94 Codea (CRC)
2 Defender Guillen Alvarez, Gabriela Gabriela Guillen 1-Mar-92 Saprissa (CRC)
3 Defender Coto Gonzalez, Maria Paula Maria Paula Coto 2-Mar-98 Herediano (CRC)
4 Defender Benavides Arguedas, Mariana De los Angeles Mariana Benavides 26-Dec-94 Herediano (CRC)
5 Defender Sanchez Jimenez, Fabiola Maria Fabiola Sanchez 9-Apr-93 Codea (CRC)
6 Defender Sanchez Cruz, Carol Carol Sanchez 16-Apr-86 Herediano (CRC)
7 Striker Herrera Monge, Daphne Melissa Melissa Herrera 10-Oct-96 Reimers (FRA)
8 Defender Cruz Mejia, Daniela Daniela Cruz 8-Mar-91 Espanyol (ESP)
9 Midfielder Villalobos Vega, Gloriana Jesus Gloriana Villalobos 20-Aug-99 Saprissa (CRC)
10 Midfielder Cruz Traña, Shirley Shirley Cruz 28-Aug-85 Codea (CRC)
11 Midfielder Rodriguez Cedeño, Raquel Raquel Rodriguez 28-Oct-93 Sky Blue (USA) 12 Defender Rodriguez Zamora, Lixy Lixy Rodriguez 4-Nov-90 Codea (CRC)
13 Goalkeeper Diaz Artavia, Dinnia Cecilia Dinnia Diaz 14-Jan-88 Saprissa (CRC)
14 Striker Chinchilla Chinchilla, Priscila Priscila Chinchilla 11-Jul-01 Codea (CRC)
15 Defender Blanco Salazar, Stephannie Stephannie Blanco 13-Dec-00 Codea (CRC)
16 Midfielder Alvarado Aguilar, Katherine Katherine Alvarado 11-Apr-91 Espanyol (ESP)
17 Striker Salas Zuñiga, Maria Paula Maria Paula Salas 12-Jul-02 Codea (CRC)
18 Goalkeeper Tapia Castillo, Priscilla Natalia Priscilla Tapia 2-May-91 Herediano (CRC)
19 Striker Elizondo Villalobos, Jazmin Maria Jazmin Elizondo 16-Dec-94 Herediano (CRC)
20 Midfielder Chacon Gonzalez, Raquel Valeria Raquel Chacon 17-Nov-94 Codea (CRC)
Haiti
Fourteen of Haiti's 20 players for the CONCACAF Olympic Finals play league ball at home, while 4 are now in France, 1 is in college in the U.S. and 1 is without a club. As the tournament began, 17-year-old defender Maudeline Moryl was brought in for Dougenie Joseph (ankle pain) and 16-year-old midfielder Gaelle Dumas was added in place of Angeline Gustave (out for knee pain). Both Moryl and Dumas were in the pre-tournament camp of 28 players selected late in December 2019.
No. Position Last Name, Name Common Name DOB Club (Club Country)
1 Goalkeeper Gabriel, Jonie Jonie Gabriel 30-Nov-97 As Tigresses (HAI)
2 Defender Beaubrun, Soveline Soveline Beaubrun 7-Dec-97 As Tigresses (HAI)
3 Defender Surpris, Chelsea Ariane Chelsea Surpris 20-Dec-96 Unattached
4 Defender Mathurin, Ruthny Ruthny Mathurin 14-Jan-01 As Tigresses (HAI)
5 Defender Joseph, Dougenie Tabita Kerbie Tabita Joseph 13-Sep-03 As Tigresses (HAI)
6 Midfielder Dumonay, Melchie Daelle Melchie Dumonay 17-Aug-03 As Tigresses (HAI)
7 Striker Louis, Batcheba Batcheba Louis 15-Jun-97 Ff Issy Les Moulineaux (FRA) 8 Midfielder Etienne, Danielle Monique Dany Etienne 16-Jan-01 Fordham University (USA)
9 Midfielder Jeudy, Sherly Sherly Jeudy 13-Oct-98 Anacaona Sc (HAI)
10 Striker Mondesir, Nerilia Nerilia Mondesir 17-Jan-99 Montpellier Hs (FRA)
11 Striker Eloissaint, Roseline Roseline Eloissaint 20-Feb-99 As Tigresses (HAI)
12 Goalkeeper Theus, Kerly Kerly Theus 7-Jan-99 Aigle Brillant (HAI)
13 Defender Charles, Emeline Emeline Charles 27-Oct-99 Aigle Brillant (HAI)
14 Midfielder Michel, Phiseline Phiseline Michel 27-Jul-97 As Tigresses (HAI)
15 Defender Laforte, Johane Johane Laforte 24-Feb-96 Anacaona Sc (HAI)
16 Striker Louis, Abaina Abaina Louis 21-Nov-01 As Tigresses (HAI)
17 Striker Saint Felix, Mikerline Mikerline Saint Felix 18-Nov-99 Montauban Fc (FRA)
18 Goalkeeper Fleuriot, Madelina Madelina Fleuriot 28-Oct-03 Exafoot (HAI)
19 Midfielder Gustave, Angeline Angeline Gustave 30-Jan-01 As Tigresses (HAI)
20 Defender Louis, Kethna Kethna Louis 5-Aug-96 Havre Ac (FRA)
Jamaica
Jamaica had only one squad member playing in Jamaica, as opposed to their 2019 Women's World Cup Finals roster when they had none. Seven of the Olympic Games Qualifying squad are with U.S. colleges, 2 play in the NWSL in the States, two are unattached and the rest play with clubs in Europe: with 3 in Norway, and 1 each in the Czech Republic, France, Israel, Italy and the Netherlands,
No. Position Last Name, Name Common Name DOB Club (Club Country)
1 Goalkeeper Schneider, SydneySydney Schneider 31-Aug-99 UNC Wilmington (USA)
2 Defender Swaby, Chantelle Chantelle Swaby 6-Aug-98 Rutgers University (USA)
3 Goalkeeper Whitehead, Alyssa Alyssa Whitehead 12-Sep-89 Unattached
4 Defender Harriott, Madiya Madiya Harriott 16-Feb-99 Vanderbilt University (USA)
5 Defender Plummer, Konya Konya Plummer 2-Aug-97 University of Central Florida (USA)
6 Midfielder Solaun, Havana Havana Solaun 23-Feb-93 Klepp IL (NOR)
7 Midfielder Asher, Chinyelu Chinyelu Asher 20-May-93 Stabæk IF (NOR)
8 Striker Farrell, Gabrielle Gabrielle Farrell 4-Dec-97 Liberty University (USA)
9 Striker McCoy, Kayla Kayla McCoy 3-Sep-96 Houston Dash (USA)
10 Midfielder Adamolekun, Olufolasade Olufolasade Adamolekun 21-Feb-01 University of Southern California (USA)
11 Striker Shaw, Khadija Khadija Shaw 31-Jan-97 Girondins de Bordeaux (FRA)
12 Defender Campbell, Sashana Sashana Campbell 2-Mar-91 Maccabi Khrrishronot (ISR)
13 Goalkeeper Chambers, Chris-Ann Chris-Ann Chambers 24-Oct-95 UWI FC Kingston (JAM)
14 Striker Blackwood, Deneisha Deneisha Blackwood 7-Mar-97 DSK Slavia Praha (CZE)
15 Striker Cameron, Tiffany Tiffany Cameron 16-Oct-91 Stabæk IF (NOR)
16 Defender Bond-Flasza, Dominique Dominique Bond-Flasza 11-Sep-96 PSV Eindhovan (NED)
17 Defender Swaby, Allyson Alyson Swaby 3-Oct-96 AS Roma (ITA)
18 Striker Carter, Trudi Trudi Carter 18-Nov-94 Unattached
19 Striker Wiltshire, Tiernny Tiernny Wiltshire 8-May-98 Rutgers University (USA)
20 Striker Matthews, Cheyna Cheyna Matthews 10-Nov-93 Washington Spirit (USA)
Mexico
Mexico was reliant primarily on their Liga MX Femenil, with 75 percent of the players (15) coming from that league, with 2 in Spain, 1 in the Netherlands and only two from the U.S.—both from U.S. universities in Texas.
No. Position Last Name, Name Common Name DOB Club (Club Country)
1 Goalkeeper Santiago Cisneros, Aurora Cecilia Cecilia Santiago 19-Oct-94 PSV, Eindhoven (NED)
2 Defender Robles Salas, Vaitiare Kenti Kenti Robles 15-Feb-91 Atletico de Madrid (ESP)
3 Defender Farias Rodriguez, Janelly Janelly Farias 12-Feb-90 Chivas de Guadalajara (MEX)
4 Defender Orejel Tavares, Jocelyn Marie Jocelyn Orejel 14-Nov-96 Xolos de Tijuana (MEX)
5 Defender Lopez Fuentes, Jimena Jimena Lopez 30-Jan-99 Texas A&M University (USA)
6 Midfielder Bernal Rodriguez, Rebeca Rebeca Bernal 31-Aug-97 Club Monterrey (MEX)
7 Striker Espinosa Arce, Daniela Daniela Espinosa 13-Jul-99 Club America (MEX)
8 Striker Palacios Hernandez, Kiana Angelica Kiana Palacios 1-Oct-96 Real Sociedad (ESP)
9 Striker Cuellar Cuellar, Renae Nicole Renae Cuellar 24-Jun-90 Xolos de Tijuana (MEX)
10 Midfielder Mayor Gutierrez, Sandra Stephany Stephany Mayor 23-Sep-91 Tigres de U.A.N.L. (MEX)
11 Midfielder Ovalle Muñoz, Lizbeth Jaqueline Jacqueline Ovalle 19-Oct-99 Tigres de U.A.N.L. (MEX)
12 Goalkeeper Alvarado Natividad, Emily Sofia Emily Alvarado 9-Jun-98 Texas Christian University (USA)
13 Defender Sierra Garcia, Bianca Elissa Bianca Sierra 25-Jun-92 Tigres de U.A.N.L. (MEX)
14 Striker Iturbide Ibarra, Adriana Adriana Iturbide 27-Mar-93 Atlas de Guadalajara (MEX)
15 Defender Cadena Calvillo, Mariana Mariana Cadena 13-Feb-95 Club Monterrey (MEX)
16 Midfielder Nieto Castillo, Karla Paola Karla Nieto 9-Jan-95 Club Pachuca (MEX)
17 Midfielder Evangelista Chavez, Diana Laura Diana Evangelista 5-Nov-94 Club Monterrey (MEX)
18 Midfielder Mercado Fuentes, Liliana Liliana Mercado 22-Oct-88 Tigres de U.A.N.L. (MEX)
19 Midfielder Sanchez Morales, Maria Guadalupe Maria Sanchez 20-Feb-96 Chivas de Guadalajara (MEX)
20 Goalkeeper Gonzalez Rodriguez, Itzel Itzel Gonzalez 14-Aug-94 Xolos de Tijuana (MEX)
Panama
Panama, like Central American neighbors Costa Rica, selected 16 players from their domestic league, with 1 each from neighboring Colombia, Paraguay, Spain and the U.S., with Gabriela Villagrand from Angelo State University in Texas. Villagrand is from Spring, Texas and finished her sophomore season at Angelo State University last fall and scored three goals while playing in 19 games.
Panama qualified for the final round of the 2020 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament by winning its Central American group with a 3-0 victory against Honduras and a 3-1 victory against Guatemala during matches in Panama City last October.
Panama's big star during the 2019 World Cup Qualifying tournament in late 2018 was then 17-year-old goalkeeper Yenith Bailey, who was spectacular in every game. She now plays in Paraguay in the Second Division. Panama has one player playing in Spain in Yomira Pinzon with CD Pozoalbense and one in Colombia in Maria Murillo for Atletico Nacional.
Panama head coach Kenneth Zseremeta is a dual Panamanian-Venezuelan, who is in his second stint coaching the Panama Women's National Team. He also coached Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.He notably coached the Venezuela U-17 WNT to a 12th place finish at the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Trinidad & Tobago and then to 4th place finishes at the 2014 U-17 WWC in Costa Rica and the 2016 U-17 WWC in Jordan, both of the latter U-17 teams were led by former Florida State University forward and recent Atletico Madrid signing Denya Castellanos.
No. Position Last Name, Name Common Name DOB Club (Club Country)
1 Goalkeeper Bailey De La Cruz, Yenith Elizabeth Yenith Bailey 23-Mar-01 Club Libertad Limpeño (PAR)
2 Defender Espinoza Justavino, Rebeca Margoth Rebeca Espinoza 5-Jul-92 Universitario (PAN)
3 Defender Pinzon Rios, Yomira Tibisay Yomira Pinzon 23-Aug-96 Cd Pozoalbense (ESP)
4 Defender Jaen, Hilary Hilary Jaen 29-Aug-02 Tauro Fc (PAN)
5 Midfielder De Leon, Yerenis Yerenis De Leon 23-May-95 Universitario (PAN)
6 Defender Murillo, Maria Maria Murillo 15-Dec-96 Atletico Nacional (COL)
7 Midfielder Guevara, Maria Maria Guevara 4-Oct-00 Universitario (PAN)
8 Defender Castillo Macias, Katherine Lineth Katherine Castillo 23-Mar-96 Universitario (PAN)
9 Striker De Mera, Amarelis Amarelis De Mera 28-Mar-85 Tauro Fc (PAN)
10 Midfielder Quintero Humphries, Aldrith Ivana Aldrith Quintero 1-Jan-02 Tauro Fc (PAN)
11 Midfielder Cox Villarrelal, Marta Alexandra Marta Cox 20-Jul-97 Universitario (PAN)
12 Goalkeeper Fabrega Bosquez, Sasha Jeaneth Sasha Fabrega 23-Oct-90 Tauro Fc (PAN)
13 Striker Cassinova Herrera, Susy Lineth Susy Cassinova 5-Feb-96 Plaza Amador (PAN)
14 Defender Perez Rodriguez, Maryorie Nicole Maryorie Perez 25-Nov-97 Tauro Fc (PAN)
15 Defender Rodriguez, Ana Ana Rodriguez 23-Apr-02 Cai (PAN)
16 Striker Saenz, Gloria Gloria Saenz 7-Feb-02 Cai (PAN)
17 Midfielder Villagrand Leonards, Gabriela Elizabeth Gabriela Villagrand 12-Jan-99 Angelo State University (USA)
18 Striker Gutierrez Arenales, Keisilyn Yorleny Keisilyn Gutierrez 19-Mar-97 Universitario (PAN)
19 Defender Hernandez Almanza, Arlen Del Carmen Arlen Hernandez 1-Dec-95 Universitario (PAN)
20 Goalkeeper Ducreux Jimenez, Nadia Damaris Nadia Ducreux 26-Jan-92 Costa Del Este (PAN)
St. Kitts and Nevis
We profiled the surprise debutants at the CONCACAF Finals, St. Kitts and Nevis, coached by American Jene' Baclawski in December: (https://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/the-week-in-women-s-football-st-kitts-and-nevis-take-huge-leap-concacaf-olympic-qualifying-schedule-ucl-format-changes-4309080)
For their first appearance at this advanced stage of a CONCACAF finals, they have 13 players who are without a club, 7 of who are under the age of 20. Four are active with clubs in St. Kitts and Nevis, 2 play in Sweden and 1 is based in Puerto Rico. This tournament will be an educational setting for this team and they hope to be a regular participant at regional finals in the future.
No. Position Last Name, Name Common Name DOB Club (Club Country)
1 Goalkeeper Dickenson, Kyra Kyra Dickenson 3-Jan-93 Masters Futbal Academy (SWE)
2 Goalkeeper Sutton, Craivecia Craivecia Sutton 1-Sep-01 Cayon FC (SKN)
3 Defender Smith, Kaleah Kaleah Smith 28-Jun-01 Unattached
4 Midfielder Williams, Allison Allison Williams 15-Mar-98 Unattached
5 Midfielder Uddenberg, Cloey Cloey Uddenberg 13-Nov-02 Unattached
6 Defender Wilkinson, Tyra Tyra Wilkinson 17-Aug-98 Newtown United (SKN)
7 Defender Uddenberg, Carley Carley Uddenburg 6-Jul-00 Unattached
8 Defender Prentice, Calvonis Calvonis Prentice 10-Apr-97 Unattached
9 Striker Stokes, Ellie Ellie Stokes 21-Nov-03 Unattached
10 Striker Mills, Dakota Dakota Mills 3-Ju-97 Unattached
11 Striker Browne, Phoenetia Phoenetia Browne 22-Apr-94 Unattached
12 Defender Phillip, Tarvia Tarvia Phillip 12-Nov-95 Conaree FC (SKN)
13 Striker Lawrence, Britiney Britiney Lawrence 18-Aug-95 Skoftebyns Dam IF (SWE) 14 Striker Bailey-Williams, Iyanla Iyanla Bailey-Williams 10-Aug-02 Bayamon F.C (PUR)
15 Midfielder Williams, Lauren Lauren Williams 27-Sep-94 Unattached
16 Striker Bennett, Kaylee Kaylee Bennett 23-Mar-04 Unattached
17 Midfielder Mills, Christi-Anne Christi-Anne Mills 27-Jul-02 Newtown United (SKN) 18 Goalkeeper Josiah, Quinn Quinn Josiah 4-May-00 Unattached
19 Defender Fernandez, Arielle Arielle Fernandez 31-Oct-95 Unattached
20 Midfielder Uddenberg, Kayla Kayla Uddenberg 24-Oct-05 Unattached
United States
The heavy favorites to advance to Tokyo this summer, the American side is entirely composed of NWSL players. 2018 and 2019 Champions North Carolina Courage have 5 selections, followed by the Portland Thorns, Orlando Pride and Utah Royals all with 3, Chicago Red Stars and Washington Spirit had 2 selections, Reign FC and Sky Blue FC had 1 each, with Houston Dash—going through some considerable offseason roster reconstruction which we will discuss in our upcoming 2020 NWSL season preview in March—having no players selected for this tournament.
Eighteen of the 20 players chosen by recently appointed head coach Vlatko Andonovski were on the USA's 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup championship team and 13 players were on the USA's roster for 2016 Olympic qualifying. Defenders Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelley O'Hara and Ali Krieger and forwards Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe and Tobin Heath were a part of the team that qualified for the 2012 Olympics. Heath and Lloyd are the only players on the roster who also participated in qualifying for the 2008 Olympics.
The two players on the roster who were not a part of the 2019 Women's World Cup Team are forward Lynn Williams—who scored 12 goals in the NWSL last season (second in the NWSL) for the North Carolina Courage and has been playing on loan in Australia for the Western Sydney Wanderers this off-season—and midfielder Andi Sullivan, who was the first pick in the 2018 NWSL Draft and had an excellent second pro season for the Washington Spirit in 2019.
The five players on the 2019 Women's World Cup team who weren't picked are Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars) who is out with an ankle injury, Morgan Brian (Chicago Red Stars), Allie Long (Reign FC), Mallory Pugh (Sky Blue FC) and Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), who is out on maternity leave and hopes to return to action in time for the Olympics.
No. Position Last Name, Name Common Name DOB Club (Club Country)
1 Goalkeeper Naeher, Alyssa Alyssa Naeher 20-Apr-88 Chicago Red Stars (USA)
2 Defender Sonnett, Emily Emily Sonnett 25-Nov-93 Orlando Pride (USA)
3 Midfielder Mewis, Samantha Samantha Mewis 9-Oct-92 NC Courage FC (USA)
4 Defender Sauerbrunn, Rebecca Becky Sauerbrunn 6-Jun-85 Utah Royals FC (USA)
5 Defender O'Hara, Kelley Kelley O'Hara 4-Aug-88 Utah Royals FC (USA)
6 Midfielder Sullivan, Andi Andi Sullivan 20-Dec-95 Washington Spirit (USA)
7 Defender Dahlkemper, Abagail Abby Dahlkemper 13-May-93 NC Courage FC (USA) 8 Midfielder Ertz, Julie Julie Ertz 6-Apr-92 Chicago Red Stars (USA)
9 Midfielder Horan, Lindsey Lindsey Horan 26-May-94 Portland Thorns FC (USA)
10 Striker Hollins, Carli Carli Lloyd 16-Jul-82 Sky Blue FC (USA)
11 Defender Krieger, Alexandra Ali Krieger 28-Jul-84 Orlando Pride (USA)
12 Goalkeeper Franch, Adrianna Adrianna Franch 12-Nov-90 Portland Thorns FC (USA) 13 Striker Williams, Lynn Lynn Williams 21-May-93 NC Courage FC (USA)
14 Striker McDonald, Jessica Jessica McDonald 28-Feb-88 NC Courage FC (USA)
15 Striker Rapinoe, Megan Megan Rapinoe 5-Jul-85 Reign FC (USA)
16 Midfielder Lavelle, Rosemary Rose Lavelle 14-May-95 Washington Spirit (USA)
17 Striker Heath, Tobin Tobin Heath 29-May-88 Portland Thorns FC (USA)
18 Goalkeeper Harris, Ashlyn Ashlyn Harris 19-Oct-85 Orlando Pride (USA)
19 Defender Soubrier, Crystal Crystal Dunn 3-Jul-92 NC Courage FC (USA)
20 Striker Press, Christen Christen Press 29-Dec-88 Utah Royals FC (USA)
Tim Grainey is a contributor to Tribal Football. His latest book Beyond Bend it Like Beckham on the global game of women's football. Get your copy today.
Follow Tim on Twitter: @TimGrainey
