The Utah Royals’ Becky Sauerbrunn, Amy Rodriguez and Abby Smith have all been called up to the U.S. Women’s National Team for a pair of upcoming friendlies between the USWNT and China — which will include a stop at Rio Tinto Stadium — the U.S. Soccer Federation announced Tuesday.
The call-up comes during a FIFA break for the NWSL. The U.S. squad will also include Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath.
The USWNT call-up period will run from June 1-13, with the team playing China on June 7 at Rio Tinto (7 p.m.) and again on June 12 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.
“Obviously, there’s a great history between the countries and we always enjoy the matches against China,” UWSNT coach Jill Ellis told USsoccer.com. “They bring a level of technical skill and tactical savvy that challenges us, which is what we need as we continue to prepare for World Cup qualifying in the fall.”